
Hosted by Relevant Radio · EN

Patrick offers insight on tough family situations, Catholic apologetics, forgiveness, and faith struggles, switching from serious to humorous in a heartbeat. He answers questions about estrangement, church controversies, the afterlife, and overcoming regret. Wisdom, encouragement, and relief land side by side as Patrick fields anxious callers, breaks down doctrine, and finds laughter in the ordinary. Jennifer - Please recommend a Bible for 17-year-old nephew who has had no religious formation. I’m feeling inspired but need advice. (00:42) Ben - 1 Corinthians 2:16: St. Paul says we have the mind of Christ. What does that mean? (06:18) Lee (email) – You guys think you’re so funny (12:22) Jan - Can you recommend a book or program for high school boys to teach them to become men through a Catholic lens? (16:23) Ellie (email) - You took a call this morning from a gentleman who asked if the Hindu religion is older than Christianity and you said, yes, it is, but big deal. You also frequently remind us of the chronology of Catholicism vis-a-vis the umpteen Protestant denominations and you emphasize that, look, Catholicism is older than all of those others. Why, then, don't you say that Hinduism is older than Catholicism, so maybe Hinduism is on to something? I guess what I'm asking is, how can we have it both ways? How can we dismiss everything that came after Catholicism but we don't dismiss Catholicism which came after Hinduism? (22:45) Jose - My brother drifted away from Church. He sends me daily devotionals, but they don't agree with our Faith. How should I handle this? (27:55) Lori (email) – Is it OK to go to a free clinic that is operated by a mosque? (32:03) James - A friend said if you die, you cannot be judged or go to heaven or hell because Jesus hasn't come back yet, so where do they go in the meantime? (37:47) AC (email) - How can I finally forgive myself for yelling at and spanking my oldest son too much as a young, unsupported mother with a controlling husband, despite his forgiveness, my therapy, confessions, life improvements, return to faith, and prayers that only bring temporary relief before triggers return? (43:09)

Patrick answers questions from callers wrestling with faith differences in marriage, the boundaries of attending non-Catholic services, and Catholic teachings on prayer and the Mass. Humor and warmth cut through discussions of Adventist-Catholic divisions, the meaning of church bells, and why prayers matter even when God already knows the outcome. Jane - Husband grew up 7th Day Adventist and still attends, and he wants me to go with. Is that okay, since he also goes with me to Mass on Sunday? (00:32) Chuck - I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and every test I kept hearing the Keep Going guy and Jesus I trust in You. (14:42) Diane - Is it okay for the priest not to say the Gloria and Creed in daily masses and is that the same for the weekend masses? (19:56) Anne - Can loved ones who have died see what we are going through? Should we pray for or to them for intercession? (22:28) Jesus - I think you could also say 'Sigue Adelante' for Spanish translation of Keep Going! (28:51) Kathy - We had 7th Day Adventists who were the nicest neighbors. We need to get to know the individual. We shouldn’t discourage the woman from attending her husband’s church. (31:23) Pat - If a bishop is going against canon law, does the priest still have an obligation to obey him? (33:11) Andrew - I was asked to play at a Lutheran Church. I'm Catholic, so would that be scandalous? (40:55) Elly - Why do the Church bells ring? (45:29) Dan - I know God answers in his own time, but I wonder if God is going to do what he wants to do anyway, why should we keep praying? (48:03)

Patrick takes the microphone to wrestle with questions about church authority, faith, and conscience, addressing misconceptions about Catholic teaching on salvation and exploring the tension between so-called legalism and a genuine relationship with God, using analogies from family rules to traffic laws. He fields raw listener dilemmas, from marital struggles to the odd presence of a Buddha statue, and traces the roots of priestly ordination through history, threading wisdom from saints and scripture through each exchange. In every moment, he leans into the messiness, persistent in pursuit of clarity and truth. Ken (email) – It’s sad to hear the bad information you gave to a little kid (00:48) Email - What's the best way to respond to a "non-denominational" (which just sounds like another domination) Christian who gives the usual relationship vs religion/legalism argument against the Catholic Church? Sylvia (email) - Is it okay according to my church to separate from my husband of 26 years after 10+ years of no intimacy, his suspected cheating and possible attraction to men that disturbs my close relationship with God, when I only stayed for financial reasons, am tired of the lies, and now prioritize my faith at age 57? (19:31) James (email) – What should I do with this Budda statue? Ceci (email) - Is it true that each priest is able to trace their ordination lineage back to the Apostles? (39:30) Martin (email) - What is the higher good? Obeying one's conscience (and who gets to decide at what point the conscience is well-formed??) or obeying authority? I am thinking right now in particular of the situation with the SSPX.

Patrick welcomes questions about everything from liturgical norms like kneelers and communion bread to sticking with faith during family tensions or parish controversies, moving from one topic to the next with candor. He responds to concerns about traditional Catholic practices, the decisions of bishops, and challenges posed by ideologically driven parishes or universities, often linking personal anecdotes to broader church issues. Conversations veer from stories about music and shopping malls to tough moments like protecting an aging parent or upholding Church teaching in complex family situations. Derek (email) – Which version of the Ave Maria do you use on the show? The answer is Aria. (01:20) Joe – SSPX: Why is the Pope excommunicating more traditionalist bishops of SSPX and not dealing with the current more liberal bishops? (06:35) Joshua - What do you think about the malls being obsolete, when amazon is taking over as the new mall? (12:51) Carlos - I didn't go to my daughter’s wedding because it was not a Catholic wedding. Is it okay if I go visit her and her husband now? (15:32) Maria - A local Jesuit University has some interesting practices in the mass, like referencing God as He or Lord with God. Does that invalidate the mass? (21:38) Mary Ellen - Am I allowed to visit family who got 'married' in a gay relationship, and stay under their roof? (28:18) Thomas - I just left a Catholic Church without kneelers. How do you say the Mass without kneeling? Also, the Eucharist was a cube that maybe had sugar in it. (31:44) Sherry - My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She was called and agreed to a visit from Mormons. They are stepping over boundaries. What to do. (46:25)

Patrick examines everything from the use of kneelers at Mass and the history of the Latin rite to misunderstandings about the Traditional Latin Mass and ongoing arguments over tradition and change. He fields heartfelt questions on Eucharistic validity, responds to calls about family suffering, defunct churches turned into mosques, and tensions stirred by new Catholic movements. At every turn, Patrick grounds each response in Church teaching, brings historical clarity, and offers hope to listeners wrestling with confusion or grief. Richard (email) – Can’t we kneel without kneelers? (00:27) James (email) - Would it be fair to say that the SSPX has made an idol of the form of the Mass, that is, the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) form? (01:54) Christy - Son married a pro-SSPX woman who says the Catholic Church is trying to get rid of the Latin mass. (05:24) Andy – At a Redemptoris mater seminary the eucharist is in the form of a cube (11:49) Haydee - My dad just passed away, and he wanted his ashes scattered. I was against this, but my sisters are going through with it. Is it okay to participate with them? (18:02) Martin - I am currently going through a civil divorce and need guidance on how to handle this from a spiritual and Catholic perspective. (23:45) Wayne – My parish closed during Covid and is now being sold to become a Mosque. What do you think of this? (38:36) Thomas - Invalidity of Eucharist on the matter (41:20) Eric - Our diocese is trying to establish the Neo-catechumenal way of tearing off bread for the Eucharist. (43:13)

Patrick unravels widespread myths about data centers and their effect on water and energy. He confronts listener concerns about salvation outside the Catholic Church, responding with both doctrinal clarity and compassion, and slips in practical homeschool advice without missing a beat. The episode swerves between friendly debate, moments of humor, and serious theological reflection, all while keeping listeners guessing where the conversation will head next. Ann - I spoke with you about a month ago about a Catholic school event where men were dressing in drag. I wanted to thank you for your advice. (01:09) Dave (email) – Data Centers: That being said the real problem with data centers is the outrageous amounts of electricity they use and that the residential consumer is seeing huge rate increases as a result of data centers near their communities. (04:52) Lauren - How does the Church know it is the true Church with the only valid Communion? (20:18) Joe (email) - I built 30+ data centers in Northern VA over the past 10 year… (38:30) Amy - I am a very strong Catholic, and believe that only Catholics can go to heaven, and it’s up to Catholic’s to keep the door open for other denominations (41:58) Christian – Are there any home-schooling Catholic resources? (46:23)

Patrick explores the spiritual effect of habits like smiling in while trying to go to sleep to ease stress and lift the mood, responds to emails supporting a caller’s journey into Catholicism, and reflects on stories of conversion, confusion over Communion, and sincere efforts to answer tough questions about faith and family friction. Questions swirl about the reality of hell, the boundaries of sacrament reception, why the veneration of saints’ relics makes sense, and how Old Testament stories pair up with the Stations of the Cross. Audio: Sam Neill – Smile - https://x.com/SwrveYT/status/2077032782698528798/video/1?s=46 (00:19) Patrick shares emails that have come in regarding Lauren’s call from the first hour Lupe - Testimony about hell: I unfortunately got into witchcraft, and it opened dark doors. The devil and hell do exist, but Jesus saved me. (05:11) Bob - We always hear 'judge not' in culture, but that goes both ways. We can't judge the soul and outward appearances. In all God's hands, so we should just pray for them. (09:31) Matt - I want to go back to Church, but my wife has never felt welcome there. (12:38) Suzie - Church allows cremated but recommends burial. That's a contradiction from relics being taken from bones and placed outside grave. (19:38) Lucy - That previous caller cannot be godparents in Catholic church unless practicing Catholics. And you cannot shop around for parishes (23:42) Laura - My brother married a woman whose parish is a new apostolic church, and her son received communion there. (31:51) Imelda - What is church teaching on getting together with a person who committed adultery? (43:43)

Patrick fields practical and sometimes vulnerable questions as callers seek clarity on everything from Biblical origins and daily Mass to angels and reliable study resources. He moves through personal dilemmas and ethical tensions, offering insight into Scripture, tradition, and spiritual growth, while recommending specific translations and addressing misconceptions tied to common Catholic practices. Gabriel - How to read Adam and Eve's story of starting the human race to a young son. (00:33) Did Jesus Go to Hell? What the Creed Really Means When It Says He “Descended into the Underworld” – by Patrick Madrid - https://patrickmadrid.substack.com/p/did-jesus-go-to-hell Jim - What is the best way to start reading the bible, cover to cover or sections at a time? (09:18) Malia - If everybody had a guardian angel, did Christ need one too, and was bestowed one just like other humans? (15:32) Marta - Is the Revised Standard Edition or the Second Edition best for new Bible readers? (22:45) Email – Has mass always been offered every day? Amy (email) – Towards the East Robert (email) – Is it a sin to go to Disney World? (37:58) Stephen (email) - I would be interested to hear your thoughts regarding Father Malachi Martin Rin (email) – Catholic AI apps Laura - I crushed on a priest. I tried to reach out to him and fix things, but he wouldn’t respond. Is it a sin to have a crush like this? (46:46)

Patrick addresses Catholic faith and daily life with directness, fielding questions on marital obligations, emotional complexities in marriage, and Church teachings about mutual rights; he references biblical context and listener concerns about medication and emotional well-being. He responds to inquiries about the Society of St. Pius X and the Latin Mass, distinguishing between official parishes and other chapels with practical tips, while also handling topics like Friday abstinence, predestination, suffering, and spiritual perseverance. Patrick responds to emails concerning marital debt as discussed on yesterday’s show Br. John (email) - In what ways is the SSPX's situation similar to the woman caught in adultery in the Gospel—about to be stoned by her persecutors until the Divine Judge intervenes by writing their sins in the dust, causing them to drop their stones one by one—especially regarding their refusal to fund gravely immoral acts like abortion through health insurance, an excommunicable offense only for those who know the penalty? (11:03) Michael (email) - How do we faithful Catholics identify these SSPX chapels and churches, so we don’t accidentally attend them? (14:54) Charlene (email) – You mentioned a few days ago that if you fast from meat on Fridays and you know you are attending an event & meat will be served you can fast from something else. My friend & I are visiting her sister who is in assisted living & taking her out to lunch. She wants an In & Out Burger. All 3 of us fast from meat but Friday is the only day we can take her. Is this a situation where we could fast from something else? (19:02) Kurt - Why has it taken so long for the SSPX to be excommunicated? (24:10) Stuart - The parable of the dishonest steward: How many different interpretations can be applied to this parable? (36:25) Tony - Why do we run into bad luck when we believe in God? Why do these things happen to us? (45:10)

Patrick fields listener questions that range from Mass intentions and Catholic marriage validity to grief after a loved one’s suicide, offering practical guidance and personal reflections, sometimes quoting Scripture directly. Humor threads through his advice to parents struggling with rebellious teens and smartphone battles, even as serious topics around Church teaching and mercy surface alongside day-to-day struggles. Tony - When/why did the custom of saying Mass intentions out loud begin, and can it cause unintended consequences when the Priest does not announce them? (00:45) Heidi - Can we assume that the list of churches on the Relevant Radio app are not SSPX? (07:32) Joe - A Catholic Church I have been going to has been doing 'everything right' but they swear badly in Spanish. What should I do? (09:53) Jeff – How do I overcome sin towards the sacrament of marriage in general after being a terrible person in my younger days? (23:28) Lauren - A family member recently committed suicide. What is the church teaching on what happens to their soul? (31:24) Marcin - How to heal my relationship with my son, who is no longer listening to my advice to help him get back into the faith. (43:05)