The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick tackles pressing issues impacting our world. From the rising costs in healthcare and the challenges of understanding insurance to the complex dynamics of immigration in Sweden and societal shifts in Europe—Patrick covers it all. Plus, he shares inspiring stories of religious growth among college students and discusses how grassroots change is making waves. Stay informed and inspired through these compelling conversations.   Audio: Gov. Ron DeSantis on ending property taxes statewide (01:48) Audio: Having health insurance makes an ambulance bill twice as expensive (06:13) Elizabeth - Pediatricians require that 14 years old children keep their medical information confidential from parents. (15:38) Andrew - I think the answer for the insurance being more expensive is that hospitals need to charge more for people who are insured. (21:26) Faith - I don't have insurance because I am not able to afford it with my retail job. (29:33) Audio: Ayaan Hirshi Ali says, "Sweden had this wonderful experiment of becoming a moral superpower" (35:02) Audio: Jordan Peterson - "I don't know if you guys in the UK understand how sad it is for us in Canada and the US to watch what you're doing to yourself" (45:32) Richard - In Indiana, we had a Republican who had a bill to stop the death penalty.  (47:34)

Patrick explores insightful questions from callers about preparing for Lent, the sanctity of marriage in the Catholic Church, and discovering joy during life's challenges. Patrick addresses how to reconnect with faith after being away and examines the spiritual significance of choosing between a priest or deacon to officiate a wedding. He warmly approaches the complexities of faith, community, and personal growth with hope and encouragement. Patrick guides listeners on a journey filled with understanding and inspiration.   Hugo (email) - What can I do to get myself in the headspace of penance, fasting, and almsgiving and not feel the sorrows of preparing to enter our Lord’s suffering? (00:27) Sam - How can I come back into the Catholic Church after being away for many years? The Church Fathers helped me to come back. (04:27) Jimmy - I was at a couples retreat and they asked us if we wanted a priest or a deacon to marry us? What is the difference between a priest doing the ceremony and a deacon doing the ceremony? (13:07) Sex Change Surgery Linked To Higher Risk Of Suicidal Ideation And Depression (22:03) Lawrence - I am conflicted about giving to my bishop’s annual appeal because of the immigration services in it. I think there is already enough aid to them. How else can I support my diocese? (25:27) Helen - If two Catholics get married outside the Catholic Church are they excommunicated? (28:21) Nina - Why do you have to say or 'Pray for us' in the litany with all of Mary's titles? Can you pray the Rosary without saying a litany? (30:48) Patrick shares an article about thieves in the UK stealing the 10 Commandments. (36:27) Wayne (email) – My reason for not attending mass regularly is that I don’t share the same political views as the priest. (42:35) Cyrus shares a Twitter post from a Protestant about centering our Christian views on preparing for the Christ instead of the Antichrist. (44:42)

Patrick explores the challenges of facing opposing ideologies about transgenderism. Patrick discusses military policies on transgender service and hears from Anne in Phoenix, who courageously shares her personal story. He wraps up by addressing historical church doctrines and a thought-provoking call about Christian nationalism.   Audio - Michael Knowles on trans insanity (00:38) Audio - You can’t change your sex (05:55) Audio - U.S. Army Bans Transgenders from service (09:22) Ann - My daughter's last wish is to be cremated and wants her ashes to be dropped in the ocean. Is it a sin to follow her wishes even if I know it is? (15:38) Rhonda - Can I receive a dispensation for a wedding outside of the Church? AND can we go to the reception? (23:03) Kathy - My grandfather married his dead wife's sister. Can you help me explain if that was wrong and if you can get married in the church under that circumstance? (29:36) Rob - I disagree with you about the Founding Fathers agreeing on Christianity. (33:52) Bridget (email) – Patrick, I am surprised and saddened that you haven't talked about the Trump/Vance/Zelensky thing. (43:45) Rydan - Why was Christ crucified and if he was killed differently what would our symbol of redemption be? (45:01)

Patrick addresses the serious shortage of air traffic controllers, the fascinating possibility of a supernova, and answers listener calls on spiritual and theological questions. From the challenges of attending Mass at 93 to understanding the misconceptions of penal substitution, Patrick's discussions are both enlightening and heartwarming. Keep the faith and remain curious as Patrick explores these topics and more.   The U.S. faces a severe shortage of top air traffic controllers, with only 70% of positions filled and major airports like Miami, Philadelphia, and D.C. struggling below 60%. (1:40) WOH G64, one of the largest red super-giants known, is undergoing an unusually fast transformation, hinting at an impending supernova. (2:44) Estella - Is it ok for me to abstain from Sunday Mass because I’m 93 years old. (9:38) Steve – Does the Catholic Church teach penal substitution? (18:36) Anna – I have a cousin who is going to get married in the Church. Her boyfriend is considering the Catholic Church, and I want to help him know more. What is the best book? (27:32) Sarah (email) - God says He wants us to be happy. Most of us would say that suffering does NOT make us happy, but should it make us happy? (34:15) James – Can demons enter a church or holy ground by if they are inhabiting a person, or will they be rejected either way? (40:27)

Patrick explores complex questions from listeners about faith, marriage, and Catholic teachings. He discusses understanding the validity of marriage, the scriptural foundations of the Rapture, and the deep theology of purgatory and fasting. Patrick provides insightful clarity rooted in tradition, offering wisdom for personal and spiritual challenges.   Joe - If a Catholic couple knows the birth control rules yet decides to use it anyway, does this make the marriage invalid? (0:38) Jim - How do my prayers help the Holy Souls in Purgatory? (4:18) Chandler (email) – How does 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 not allude to the rapture? (8:49) John - Can people with Alzheimer’s be dispensed from Confession? (17:34) Susan - Have you ever talked about Myers Briggs testing? (21:35) Santiago - What happens to babies who are not baptized before they die? (27:38) Tom (email) – Comment about Our Lady of Knock (35:30) Sharon - Why do we fast before Communion? (36:55) Araceli - What are your thoughts about the Litany of Trust? (48:30)

Patrick explores profound questions about Our Lady's sinlessness, addresses concerns about Catholic education, and tackles issues surrounding ADHD diagnoses in children. Through stories from listeners who've faced these challenges head-on, Patrick reminds everyone of the power of faith and perseverance.   Regina (email) - How can Mary be 100% human and never EVER sin? (00:36) Joe – My daughter’s teacher is asking children to pray for the Church to change its stance on same sex marriage. (04:10) Jack – Did Jesus have siblings? (14:05) George – Who are your favorite 3 Catholic Apologists? (20:17) Nicole – Is Waldorf education, ok? (Patrick gives his thoughts on young boys being diagnosed with ADHD and the drugs they are given) (23:40) Annie - My son suffered from exactly what Nicole’s son is going through. Everyone wanted to put my kid on drugs, but I didn’t. Now he flies for the Fed-Ex! (36:38) Maria - My son was labelled with ADHD in 3rd grade. I put him in a STEM school. He got through this and graduated with honors. (40:28) Christine - Had my husband been young in this age he would have been diagnosed with ADHD. It’s a cross for parents, but I think it can be a blessing too. (42:50) Jim - It seems that Church frowns on senior marriage if you can't procreate. (46:39)

Okay, so on this episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, we get a look into the virtue of hope. A caller named Matt from Columbus, NJ, kicks things off by saying that a lot of Catholics don’t really get what hope actually is. Honestly, he’s onto something.   What’s Hope, Really?    Most people think of hope like: I hope the weather’s nice tomorrow, or I hope my team wins. But biblical, theological hope is different. The Catechism (CCC 1817) lays it out:   Hope is the virtue by which we desire heaven, trusting not in ourselves, but in God’s promises and His grace to get us there.   Basically, it’s not a shaky, fingers-crossed kind of thing; it’s a confident expectation in God’s faithfulness.    So… Can Catholics Be Sure They’re Going to Heaven?    Matt brings up a great point here. He adds that if you ask a Catholic, “Are you going to heaven?” they’ll respond with, “Uh… I hope so?”, but with a tone of doubt. That’s a problem. Because hope isn’t uncertainty; it’s trust.   Patrick brings in St. Paul as Exhibit A. Paul talks about winning the race and fighting the good fight; he expects heaven, but he also knows he has to persevere to the end. We don’t “earn” salvation (we need grace!), but we cooperate with it.   So, the Catholic answer isn’t “I know I’m going to heaven, no doubt” (we’re not into that Once Saved, Always Saved mindset), but it’s also not “I have no idea”. Instead, it’s:   -I trust in God’s promises   -I know He’ll give me the grace to get there   -But I also know I have free will and need to stay faithful   Hope vs. Despair & Presumption    Patrick also covers the two big dangers that wreck hope:   Despair: Thinking, I’m too far gone, I’ll never be saved. That’s a lie; God’s mercy is bigger than any sin. Never stop hoping! Presumption: Thinking, I don’t need to do anything, I’m automatically saved. This is also wrong; Jesus literally tells us to persevere to the end (Matt 24:13).   Hope Is Non-Negotiable.    Patrick ties it all together with St. Thomas Aquinas, who says hope is necessary for salvation. You have to desire heaven and expect God’s help. No hope? No heaven.    Moral of the story: Hope is trust in God’s love and promises. So next time someone asks if you’re going to heaven, don’t say “I don’t know” ... say, “I trust in God to get me there.”    Want to level up your hope? Pray for the grace of perseverance, dive into Scripture, and never stop trusting in God’s goodness! 

Ever wonder why Catholics seem to talk about Mary a lot? That’s exactly what Brandon from San Diego asked Patrick Madrid. And wow, did Patrick deliver a solid, scripture-packed response!   Brandon’s Big Question    Brandon is exploring the Catholic faith but has been wrestling with devotion to Mary. He’s come to terms with the idea of praying with saints, but the amount of Marian prayers has him a little uneasy. He described it as a "food pyramid of prayers" where Mary seems to take up, like, 90% of the plate.    Patrick’s Response    Patrick assured Brandon that Catholics do focus way more on God, but Mary has a unique and biblical role. He laid it out like this:   The Bible Is All About Mary She’s everywhere in the Gospels! From the Annunciation to the Visitation to Jesus' childhood, His first miracle (yep, at her request), and standing at the Cross. Even at Pentecost, she’s there. God clearly wanted her to play a huge role in salvation history.    Jesus Honored Mary, So We Do Too Jesus spent 30 years with Mary before even starting His ministry. In John 17, Jesus talks about sharing His glory. If He honors His mother, shouldn’t we?    Catholics Aren’t Worshipping Mary Big misconception. Catholics honor her, just like the angel Gabriel did ("Hail, full of grace!"). Asking for her prayers is like asking your mom for help. Except she’s literally the Queen Mother of Heaven.    Your Perception Might Be Skewed Brandon mentioned hearing a lot of Marian prayers on Relevant Radio, and Patrick gently pointed out that’s just one slice of Catholic prayer life. The Mass, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, personal prayer: all of it is way more focused on God. But Mary has her rightful place too!   Final Takeaway   Mary isn’t competition for God. She’s His masterpiece. If God chose her to be the mother of Jesus, protected her from sin, and made her central to salvation history… well, maybe she’s worth a few extra prayers.    Want to dig deeper? Patrick recommended two books: 📖 Hail, Holy Queen by Scott Hahn 📖 Behold Your Mother by Tim Staples   Brandon left the conversation with a lot to think about, and so do we! If you’ve ever wrestled with this question, what’s your biggest hang-up?   

Patrick discusses compelling insights, such as the big move by In N Out Burger from California to Tennessee and what that means for burger enthusiasts across the nation. He addresses the sorrowful news of Gene Hackman's passing, offering reflections on life, legacy, and true treasures. Further, Patrick explores questions about faith, marriage, and religious devotions, providing clarity and encouragement to those seeking spiritual guidance.   In-N-Out Closing California Office, Opening New Tennessee HQ (1:00) Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, wife found dead in Santa Fe home (7:08) Maria Christina – What is Opus Dei? (12:40) Jerry - In Persona Christi. how does the priest become a stand-in for Christ? (23:07) Kevin (email) - Is there a difference in praying, “Father help President Trump make America a Great Again’” and “Father, help President Trump use his power and influence to pass Christ-like policies to solve our complicated issues to restore America to its greatness?” (23:07) MJ (email) – Tithing - Is if it is acceptable to give 5% (net or gross income) to our Parish and 5% to other ‘needs’ like family, St. Vincent DePaul and Pro-life organizations or is the 10% meant to go completely to our Parish? (26:31) Florence (email) – What good news did Jesus proclaim? (29:49) Lauren (email) - How is it fair that a devout Catholic spouse who did not want a divorce, but was not granted an annulment, cannot get remarried in the Catholic Church? (38:13) Osrick - Where is the evidence for Mary's perpetual virginity? (46:10)

Patrick discusses the significance of baptism, the Catholic understanding of sin and confession, and the profound role of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He explores the essentials of these key spiritual themes while seamlessly weaving biblical context and Catholic doctrine. Whether you're curious about religious traditions or exploring the depths of faith, this episode provides encouragement and clarity to enrich your day.   Nicholas – What can I say to a person saying I need to get re-baptized and recommit to Jesus because I didn’t have faith as a baby? (0:42) Scott - How long should I wait to go to Confession if you want to get an indulgence? (17:41) Meredith - What does God think about a priest being gay? (Patrick plays back a call from yesterday’s show after an unfounded accusation about what he said) (24:34) Brandon - You recommended a book, “Rome Sweet Home” a couple of months ago. I have gotten through most of the book, but it seems to gloss over Mary. Can you help? (37:24)