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 shares all of the news about several events coming up this weekend centered on the Eucharist, including a Corpus Christi procession on Sunday evening, and the news about the ordinations to the priesthood of two of our parishioners on Saturday 
He also invites all to pray for vocations during a Holy Hour that will also include praise-and-worship music in the Basilica tomorrow evening, June 5, starting at 7 p.m. We will be joined by the National Eucharistic Pilgrims as they stop here during their cross-country pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament. Click here for more information. 
Click here to learn more about the Corpus Christi procession, which also includes a reception in the Basilica gym on June 7 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. after the procession, and the First Masses of Thanksgiving by our newly ordained priests.

Father Edward Hathaway, the Rector at the Basilica, shares a homily during The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. It was given in the Basilica on May 31, 2026.

The monthly series called "What Are the Sisters Reading?" continues with Sister Catherine Lucia Phoebe, FSP, who shares about a book called "Francesco: A Story of St. Francis of Assisi," by Madeline Pecora Nugent, CFP. In it, the author masterfully weaves together years of research into a compelling biography that reads like a novel. She grounds her work in primary and modern sources, time spent in Assisi, and interviews with Franciscan experts to paint a vivid picture of the world of Saint Francis through the eyes of those who knew him best — and through the words of Francis himself.
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.

Our 2026 summer seminarian, Jonathon Davies, will be helping out at the Basilica from June 8-August 9, 2026, including working with the youth, working in our parish office and helping out at the Masses. Click here to learn more about him.

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 Pope Leo XIV's recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), on Artificial Intelligence. Click here to read/download it. 
He also shares that the the parish will pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart after all the Masses on June 3-11 in union with the U.S. Bishops' consecration of the nation to Jesus' Most Sacred Heart on June 11.  Click here to learn more.
He also invites all to pray for vocations during a Holy Hour that will also include praise-and-worship music in the Basilica on Friday, June 5, starting at 7 p.m. We will be joined by the National Eucharistic Pilgrims as they stop here during their cross-country pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament. Click here for more information.