The Patrick Madrid Show Relevant Radio

Patrick delves into the complexities of confession within the Catholic Church, focusing on the challenges of confessing to a priest who is also a close family friend. Patrick discusses the importance of the internal forum—your private, spiritual dialogue with God—and how knowing your confessor personally can impact this experience. Patrick explores practical advice on seeking confession with a sense of anonymity to avoid any discomfort and preserve the sanctity of this sacrament.

 


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Trudeau government spends $8 million searching for bodies at Kamloops residential school after viral ‘mass graves’ story, finds nothing (05:07)
Jenny - The last page in the Catechism is by JPII. Where are the writings of Pope Benedict?
Joseph - In the Mass, there is a song that plays right before receiving Communion. Why do they play this?
Email – Confession question: My family is good friends with our Priest and now I’m uncomfortable going to him for confession (17:51)
Sandra - When I pray to the saints, do I have to pray out loud since they can't hear us the way God does? (27:54)
Email – My cousin is a Priest and confessing to him takes my confession to a whole other level.
Michael - I've been divorced for about 10 years. My ex-wife was the one who wanted the divorce but she didn't have the money for it, so I was the one (on paper) who did it. Do I need to go to confession for this? (41:26)

Patrick has a profound conversation with Diane about the importance of regular confession in maintaining spiritual health. Diane shares her realization about neglecting confession while still participating in Holy Communion, prompting a discussion on the necessity of a clean conscience to fully benefit from the sacraments. Patrick explores how confession serves as a powerful tool to renew one's spiritual life, ensuring peace and a strengthened relationship with God. If you’ve been away from confession and feel unsure, remember, it’s never too late to reconcile and seek peace through this beautiful sacrament.

 


David - What does the church say about being in the state of mortal sin and taking communion if you go to confession right away or very soon after? (01:30)
Gloria - Doctors think I have an autoimmune disease and they have invited me to take birth control. They said that I shouldn’t get pregnant because the tests I am getting will hurt the baby. I don't feel comfortable with that. Your thoughts? (12:06)
Mary Lou – I am single and I never married because I never found someone who was truly Catholic. (22:35)
Carolyn - I am Catholic and I married a Protestant - I am trying to get my marriage blessed but I have been taking communion. Is the priest to blame? (31:33)
Diane - I am catholic and I haven't gone to confession for 5 or 6 years and I have still been taking communion. Am I in mortal sin? (40:52)

Patrick welcomes Brian, a former Protestant who has recently embraced the Catholic faith. Brian shares his journey and the complexities of leading his family through his spiritual transformation. Brian's commitment to his faith and family shines through as he plans to renew his vows and even reverse a past medical decision, showing his dedication to living fully in accordance with his new beliefs. His story is a powerful testament to personal transformation and spiritual leadership.

 


Francis (12-years-old) - Our pastor was chosen to move out of the state, is there any chance that he will every come back? (01:15)
Linda – I stopped practicing when I met my husband and we got divorced when he started to abuse me. We weren't married in the church, so is this marriage still recognized by the church? (05:06)
Sophia - Why can’t priests talk politics at Mass? (15:45)
Email – Is every marriage outside of the Church invalid?
Victor - I go to a Catholic Church and they have hospitality ministers that walk people in at all times of the Mass. It's disruptive and disrespectful.
Melody – Does D&D lean towards sin? (29:02)
Email – What did Christ say about divorce?
Brian - I converted two years ago, but my family didn't. Does the Church recognize our marriage as valid? (38:24)
Bob - Who assigns the deacon s and are they allowed to perform the Mass? (45:51)
Michael - If you are in mortal sin, does that mean your prayers aren't as effective? (47:54)

"How do we know the Assumption of Mary actually happened? Why is it not mentioned?"

 

Patrick Madrid engages with Eric, a Protestant pastor from Helena, Montana, who grapples with understanding Marian doctrines, particularly the Assumption of Mary.

 

Eric's Journey:

 

Eric is exploring Catholicism but finds the Assumption of Mary challenging due to its sparse mention in early Church writings

 

He questions why significant doctrines like the Assumption aren’t explicitly detailed in early Church Father writings, similar to his concerns about infant baptism and Church hierarchy.

 

Patrick's Insightful Response:

 

Historical Parallels: Patrick compares the development of the Assumption doctrine to the Trinity doctrine, noting:

 

Trinity: Not explicitly named until Tertullian in the 3rd century, yet fundamental.

 

Assumption: Similar trajectory; less overt early mention but recognized over time.

 

Persecution Impact:

 

Early Christians focused on survival rather than doctrinal writings.

 

Post-persecution, there was an explosion in theological literature, including Marian doctrines.

 

Resource Recommendations:

 

T.L. Frazer’s Article: Assumptions About Mary – Highlights patristic references to the Assumption.

 

Tim Staples' Book: Behold Your Mother – Provides a biblical defense of Marian doctrines.

 

Jurgens' Collection: The Faith of the Early Fathers – Indexed quotes on various doctrines, including the Assumption.

 

Biblical and Traditional Foundations:

 

Patrick emphasizes that Catholicism relies on Scripture and Tradition.

He mentions Acts 2:38-39 as a biblical basis for infant baptism.

 

 Personal Reflections:

 

Eric shares his family's transition to Catholicism, with three out of four children converting.

 

Patrick encourages Eric to keep exploring and offers further resources, including his book Surprised by Truth.

 

Patrick reassures Eric about the legitimacy of Marian doctrines, highlighting the importance of Tradition alongside Scripture.

 

Takeaway: For those curious about Catholic doctrines, especially the Assumption of Mary, examining Church history, patristic writings, and biblical references can provide clarity and deepen faith understanding.

 

Relevant Radio is always here for you as you explore the Catholic faith as well! 

 

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Patrick Madrid has a candid conversation with Jorge, a 27-year-old who’s rekindling his Catholic faith after a 17-year hiatus. Jorge’s struggle? Overcoming the grip of porn addiction and other bad habits formed during his years away from the Church.

 

🌟 Key Points from the Conversation:

 

Rediscovering Faith: Jorge shares his journey back to Catholicism, filled with love for his newfound spiritual path, but he’s battling long-standing bad habits, particularly porn addiction.

 

Taking Radical Steps:

 

Be Ruthless: Patrick emphasizes a no-nonsense approach, referencing Jesus' teaching about plucking out the eye if it causes you to sin (metaphorically, of course).

 

Eliminate Triggers:

If the smartphone is the problem, ditch it for a simpler device.

Load up accountability software on necessary devices to prevent access to inappropriate sites.

 

Building Accountability:

 

Patrick encourages Jorge to find an accountability partner, someone whose knowledge of his struggle would motivate him to stay clean.

 

Cultivating Virtue:

 

Replace lust with purity and chastity. This involves practical steps like custody of the eyes—training oneself to look away from potential temptations.

 

Community Support:

 

Patrick recommends Catholic in Recovery, a 12-step program that’s Jesus-centered and parish-based, helping individuals overcome addictions.

 

Spiritual Weapons:

 

Pray the Rosary daily.

 

Stay close to Jesus through the sacraments.

Avoid giving any “slack” to bad habits; even a small allowance can lead to a major setback, akin to an alcoholic taking a sip.

 

Practical Analogy:

 

Patrick likens the fight against porn addiction to lifting weights: initially hard and painful, but persistence builds strength and resilience.

 

Moral Imagination:

 

Visualize the most embarrassing person knowing about the porn habit and use that as a deterrent and accountability check.

 

Jorge’s resolve to overcome his addiction through faith and rigorous discipline serves as an inspiring testament to the power of spiritual commitment and community support. Never give up! Victory over vice is possible. 

Chuck (email) – I’ve learned so much from reading the Baltimore Catechism St. Joseph Edition
Mark - Can God apply future Mass graces to present souls? (06:12)
Myra - Sibling passed away who was not baptized. Can I bury him in a Catholic Cemetery with my family? Can I have a Mass said for him? (14:05)
Ann (email) – What is it that allows Mary to appear to people all over the world? (18:46)
Email – My dad was a drunk, and now I see myself acting like him
Todd (email) – What’s the best way to respond an LDS member who calls himself a Christian since their baptism isn’t valid?
Grace – How can I talk to my parents about their marriage? I know my dad was married twice before my mother and I would love if their marriage was blessed.