The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick Madrid takes a call from Matt in Huntington Beach, who asks a very relatable question: How do I keep prayer intentional when I have so many intentions that it feels like a checklist? Patrick admits right away that he’s not speaking as a prayer “expert,” but as a fellow traveler who wrestles with the same distractions. He encourages you to pray at times and in places where the noise of life is quieter -- whether that’s at home in the early morning or during a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. But he also affirms that prayer doesn’t have to be limited to those moments; it can happen anywhere -- in the car, at the grocery store, or in the middle of a busy day. What matters most, Patrick says, is not the absence of distractions but what you do with them. He suggests offering those distractions to God directly: “Lord, I’m trying to pray, but my mind is scattered. I give you these distractions too.” That effort, he says, is pleasing to God because it shows love and persistence. Patrick also draws on Ignatian spirituality, recommending a prayer method that involves putting yourself into the scene of Scripture or the mysteries of the Rosary. For example, while praying the Sorrowful Mysteries, you can imagine yourself standing at the pillar as Jesus is scourged, which helps stir gratitude and deepen prayer. He goes on to outline the stages of prayer: -Discursive prayer -- the “shallow end,” made up of spontaneous prayers or rote prayers like the Our Father -Meditation -- a deeper form, where the mind and heart actively engage with the truths of the Faith -Contemplation -- the “deep end” of prayer, described by saints like Teresa of Avila as gazing on God with love, much like beholding a beautiful sunset in awe On the specific problem of prayer becoming a long “laundry list,” Patrick introduces the idea of virtual intentions. Instead of naming every single person or need individually each time, you can entrust categories of people or petitions to God: “Lord, I pray for all those I promised to pray for” or “I pray for all who have died.” This way, prayer remains heartfelt without being mechanical. Finally, Patrick recommends two spiritual classics to grow in prayer: Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales and The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. Both provide wisdom on moving from simple, everyday prayer to deeper intimacy with God. Patrick reminds you: the key is not perfection, but intention. As long as you’re sincerely engaging with God rather than just “clickety clacking” through words, your prayer life will bear fruit.

Patrick takes a call from John, a Protestant pastor in Texas, who asks whether the Mass is invalid if a Catholic priest celebrates it while in a state of mortal sin. Patrick explains that the Mass would still be valid, because validity depends on three essential elements: form (the words of consecration), matter (unleavened bread and wine), and intention (the priest’s intention to confect the Eucharist). Patrick clarifies that while the Mass would remain valid, it could be illicit (unlawful) if the priest knowingly skipped required elements or celebrated without first confessing grave sin. He brings up the history of the Church, citing St. Augustine’s defense against the Donatists, who wrongly claimed sacraments were invalid if the minister was unworthy. Augustine argued that if their logic were correct, no one could ever have confidence in any sacrament, since we can’t see into a minister’s soul. Patrick also notes St. Thomas Aquinas’ reassurance that the very act of a priest celebrating Mass provides moral certainty that his intention is valid. John connects this with 1 Corinthians 11, where St. Paul warns that those who receive the Eucharist unworthily bring judgment upon themselves, and he shares his growing appreciation for Catholic teaching through Relevant Radio. 

A caller named Marianne asked Patrick Madrid how to explain to her evangelical son-in-law that Mary remained a virgin her whole life, especially since he believes the Bible says Jesus had brothers in the literal sense. The Teaching in a Nutshell Catholic dogma says Mary was a virgin before the conception of Jesus, during His birth, and after His birth for the rest of her life. Jesus was her only child. This belief isn’t just Catholic tradition; Patrick argues it’s what the Bible itself supports when understood correctly. The ‘Brothers of Jesus’ Problem Many Protestants point to verses like: Matthew 13:55 - “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?” Mark 6:3 - Similar listing of “brothers” of the Lord. Patrick explains: In the Bible, “brother” (adelphos in Greek) has a wide range of meanings. It can mean biological brother, but also cousin, nephew, or even close family friend. Example: In Genesis 14:14, Lot is called Abraham’s “brother”, but we know from other passages that Lot was actually Abraham’s nephew. The Famous “Until” Verse Critics love to quote Matthew 1:25: “[Joseph] had no marital relations with her until she had given birth to a son.” -Some assume “until” means they started relations afterward. -But in biblical usage, “until” (heōs in Greek) does not mean a change afterward. -Patrick’s analogy: “Grandma didn’t take her medicine until she died.” That doesn’t mean she took it after! The ‘Firstborn’ Title Luke 2:7 calls Jesus Mary’s “firstborn.” Skeptics think that means there must have been a “second-born.” Not so! In Jewish law, firstborn is a legal term for the child who opens the womb, whether or not more children follow. Even an only child is still the “firstborn” in biblical and legal language. A Cross-Shaped Clue At the crucifixion (John 19:26-27), Jesus entrusted His mother to John, not to one of His “brothers.” If Mary had other biological sons, this would have been unthinkable in Jewish culture; her care would automatically go to them. The fact that Jesus chose John is silent but strong proof that Mary had no other children. The Early Church’s United Voice From the very beginning, Christians, including those who personally knew the Apostles, unanimously affirmed Mary’s perpetual virginity. No significant leader questioned it until the mid-4th century, when a man named Helvidius claimed otherwise. St. Jerome, a brilliant Scripture scholar and translator, wrote an entire work Against Helvidius, dismantling every argument point-by-point. Even Luther & Calvin Agreed Here’s a surprise for many Protestants: Martin Luther and John Calvin, the founders of the Reformation and fierce opponents of Catholicism, both affirmed Mary’s perpetual virginity. They didn’t accept it because the Catholic Church said so; they accepted it because the biblical and historical evidence for it was airtight. Why the Disagreement Today? Patrick brings up that many modern Christians reject this teaching for one simple reason: “If the Catholic Church teaches it, it must be wrong.”They then go hunting for Bible verses that seem to contradict it. But none of those verses, when understood in context, actually prove Mary had other children. Mary’s perpetual virginity isn’t an “extra Catholic add-on.” It’s rooted in Scripture, confirmed by history, defended by the early Church Fathers, and even upheld by the first Protestant Reformers. For anyone truly willing to look at the evidence, and not just react against Catholicism, the case is clear: Mary was, is, and always will be the Virgin Mother of Jesus. 

Image via Riccardo De Luca - Update / Shutterstock. Here’s a beautiful invitation from The Patrick Madrid Show that every Catholic should hear: Pope Leo XIV is asking us to fast and pray for peace this August 22nd, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary.  At his general audience, the Holy Father turned his heart, and ours, toward the many conflict zones around the world... especially in Ukraine and the Holy Land. His message is clear: Mary, our Queen of Peace, is with us in the fight for true peace, and she’s inviting us to join her through prayer and fasting. So why August 22nd? Mary is honored as Queen of Heaven, and she’s reigning as our Mother; she's standing with us in every struggle.  Patrick explains how this connects directly to Revelation 12, where the “woman clothed with the sun” is both Mary and a symbol of the Church. This woman gives birth to Christ and then becomes the target of the dragon, who wages war not just on her, but on the rest of her offspring. These are those who follow Jesus and keep His commandments. What the Pope is Asking: Pope Leo’s call isn’t generic. He says: “I ask you... to include in your intentions a supplication for the gift of peace, a peace that is disarmed and disarming, especially for Ukraine and the Middle East.” This is about real peace, the kind that starts in the heart and flows out to the world. What to Do on August 22nd: Here’s how you can respond: -Pray a Rosary (especially for peace) -Fast in whatever way you can: from food, social media, entertainment, etc... -Offer your day for all who are suffering because of war and violence -Invite others to join you: family, friends, your parish group, etc...  August 22nd is your chance to join the Church worldwide in a spiritual mission for peace. Mary is Queen, and she’s leading the charge. Will you follow her lead? 

Patrick takes on urgent Catholic family questions, from the ethics of end-of-life care and DNR orders to how the Church guides parents facing unmarried pregnancies, all while offering advice grounded in faith and honesty. Listeners bring raw stories: fighting off hospital pressure, supporting loved ones at critical moments, and challenging popular fads and misconceptions about everything from mysterious dolls to the origins of “Christ.” Throughout, he infuses the hour with community spirit, rallying support for Relevant Radio’s mission and keeping listeners connected and informed.   Jose (email) - My 89-year-old Mother who is in a very advanced state of dementia is no longer aware of her surroundings. We face a difficult situation and are in need of spiritual guidance. (00:30) Christina (email) – Labubu dolls are called “monsters” and are based off of pagan Nordic folklore and mythology. (14:53) Roxanne - After Vatican II, is it allowed for a Catholic and Christian to choose either Church for a wedding? (19:31) Email – My daughter is living in sin and I’m not sure I should go to the bridal shower (30:46) Deerdra - I was talking with someone who believes that the word Christ came from the word 'Krishna'? (35:59) Kaitlin (email) - Is there no consideration of intention in the question of validity of baptism? (42:57) Mike (email) – After the priest has changed the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Chris, it no longer just bread and wine. Shouldn't our acclamation acknowledge that by saying something like "When we partake of the Body and Blood of Christ, we proclaim your Death”? (47:36)

Special Triple Match Hour

Patrick answers heartfelt calls about faith, struggle, and gratitude, from questions about yoga in schools to what distinguishes Catholicism from other Christian traditions. Concerns about odd toy fads, spiritual wellbeing, and life’s deepest mysteries swirl together as listeners describe how the show sparks real change in their families and hearts. Urgency runs high for the pledge drive as Patrick listens, teaches, and invites everyone to connect and grow.   Martin (email) – These Labubu dolls sound hideous and can serve no good purpose (02:58) Mateo - If God knows everything, how did he allow the fallen angels to happen? (06:37) Sadie - Why should I pick Catholicism over other denominations? (16:04) Will - I wanted to point out that the Church recognizes Sadie's Baptism. (27:27) Adam - I was sharing Christ with a friend, but she said He was just a prophet. What is your take on that? (28:01) Sarah – My kid’s school is doing yoga events, is this ok? (39:06)

Patrick welcomes listeners to the midway point of the Relevant Radio pledge drive, sparking faith and generosity with a prayer and an invitation to community. In this episode, Patrick answers questions about God’s presence in dreams, discusses the dangers of youth vaping, and explores Catholic views on near-death experiences and the Rapture with warmth and real-life stories. Stories of faith journeys, advice for those feeling isolated in their beliefs, and details about unique pledge drive gifts all come together to create a vibrant blend of insight, encouragement, and purpose.   Nancy (email) - Does God still play as much of a role in modern-day dreams as He did back in the day? (01:51) Harmful effects of vaping on kids (06:51) Alex - What do you think about near-death experiences? (14:52) Beth - Will Jesus rule on the earth for 1000 years before the end comes? (18:51) Regina - What does the last day in the Bible mean? Is this the last day of all life or existence? (27:41) Jess - Did you have any advice for people we grew up who were Catholic but strayed from the faith? I feel like I am the last person standing. What can I do? My friends are not Catholic. (41:12)

Jenny - You just said 'at the end of the world' we will be judged. We always say 'world without end' in the Glory Be. How does this work? Will our body not be human anymore after death? (01:25) Ralph - Most people call priests 'father', but I thought that Jesus said not to use the word 'father'? What do you think? Did Jesus said that is it wrong for us to use that word? (03:59) Sarah - When did the Catholic Church allow Masses to be said in people's homes? (15:49) Yolanda – I think St. John The Baptist is run by the Norbertine Order (27:32) Mark - When we petition God, we are supposed to have faith yet not everything is God's will. How are we supposed to have faith in something that will not occur? (41:15)

Patrick explains the significance of “the Upper Room” where Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples and instituted the Eucharist. (01:09 Ben - How do I know if I am being scrupulous? (07:09) Teresa - My brother left the Catholic Church a long time ago. What can I say to help my brother come back? (17:18) The Holy Father invites us to pray and fast for peace (27:23) Carlos - Are you ok with getting Labubu Dolls for your kids? I am concerned they are based off of demonic dolls. (30:25) Cindy - Listening to Relevant Radio for the last 2 years has been a real blessing and a great way for me to grow in my faith. (32:56) Rich - I believe that our youth are taught that they are all transphobic if they refuse to date trans people (42:59) Laura - You really helped me to cut my YouTube addiction. Now I am listening to Relevant Radio. (45:06)