Basilica of Saint Mary Podcast

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on the month of October being dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the blessings that come from praying the Rosary. 
As part of Bishop Burbidge's "Pray. Fast. Vote No" campaign, the bishop is asking that parishioners do the following during the month of October: 
Pray: Join us in the Basilica after the 5 p.m. Sunday Masses in October to pray the rosary, led by a member of the Catholic Friends' apsotolate. Also, pray with us the Stations of the Cross each Friday in October at 7 p.m.
Fast: On Sunday, fast from social media. On Fridays, commit to one daily meal and no meat.
Click here for more information.

This episode is a recording of a panel discussion called "Saving the Soul of Virginia: Faith, Religious Liberty and Forming Conscience," which was held on October 6, 2026, in our Lyceum Auditorium. It centered on America's founding principles, including the recognition of God as Creator; religious freedom; and the dignity and flourishing of the human person, as well as what's at stake in the November 3 election, which includes two proposed ballot amendments that threaten the human right to life and the truth of marriage.  
The event featured the following panelists: Mary Margaret Bush, a religious liberty attorney and a Basilica parishioner; Fr. Thomas Ferguson, the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Alexandria; and Amy McInerny, the director of the diocese's Respect Life Office. 
To learn more about the "Catholics Vote No" campaign, click here. 
To get action alerts from the Virginia Catholic Conference, click here.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. It was given in the Basilica on October 4, 2026.

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues. My guest for the month of October is from the Daughters of Saint Paul. Sister Kathryn Hermes, FSP, will share about a book called "Named for Glory: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity's Identity and Mission," which shows how St. Elizabeth invites us to answer the universal call to holiness so that our lives will also flow into the very life of God — and His life will flow into ours. 
To check out more books on the Catholic faith and religious items of interest at the Pauline Books and Media Center at 1025 King Street in Alexandria, please click here.

Faith Matters is a weekly podcast for the Messenger newsletter of the Basilica School of Saint Mary, which gets distributed to Basilica School families. It features Father Edward Hathaway, the rector of the Basilica. In this week's episode, Fr. Hathaway reflects on the meaning and importance of Guardian Angels. 
He invites parishioners to two upcoming events:
our annual parish picnic, Oktoberfest, which will be held this Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Basilica School. Learn more by clicking here. 
a panel discussion of distinguished experts will gather on Tuesday evening, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. in our Lyceum auditorium to discuss America's founding principles, including the recognition of God as Creator; religious freedom; and the dignity and flourishing of the human person. Entitled "Saving the Soul of Virginia: Faith, Religious Liberty and Forming Conscience," the event will help attendees understand what's at stake in the Commonwealth of Virginia during the November 3 election. Click here to learn more.