The Patrick Madrid Show

Ah, the age-old tale of Easter's supposed pagan roots! 🐣🌷 Let's dive into a spirited conversation from The Patrick Madrid Show, where Linda seeks wisdom. She's been thrown the curveball question:   Is Easter just a rebranded pagan holiday?    First off, Patrick Madrid lays down the calendar facts: Easter in the Western Church is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. 🌕✨ This method of dating Easter might seem like it's borrowed from a pagan calendar at first glance, but oh, it's so much more!   Patrick explains the Quartodecimanism controversy... about when Easter should be celebrated. This has led to the Eastern and Western Churches celebrating Easter at different times. But does this discrepancy hint at pagan roots? Patrick says, "No way, José!"   Why? Because this calendar conundrum is tied not to pagan rituals but to the lunar calendar, which our Jewish friends used for plotting feast days. And guess what? The Jews were definitely not hosting pagan parties. 🚫🌺   Patrick suggests arming yourself against the "Easter is pagan" argument with two epic resources:   1. Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Karl Keating - a book so powerful, it's like watching a bowling alley strike. Argument after argument, Keating knocks them down.   2. Articles by Jon Sorenson - your go-to for refuting what Patrick charmingly calls "silly arguments."

Patrick examines the topic of Mass attendance in America. According to the Gallup, the data reflects a decline in the number of Americans attending weekly religious services, touching upon the trends among Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Jews, and other religious groups. The impact of COVID-19 on church attendance is also explored in this discussion. Join Patrick as he dissects these statistics, examines potential reasons for this decline, and discusses the significance of prioritizing regular Mass attendance.   Juan - I heard you were not supposed to eat meat during the entire Triduum, but now days it seems like people only refrain from meat on Fridays. Did that change? (01:30) Is it wrong to have a devotion to the Rosary? Cody - Is it smart for a Catholic to reach out to Protestants by attending their services? (08:10) Elida - If you bless rosaries with a relic of a saint, do you also need a priest to bless it? (18:01) Madeline - Why can't you baptize babies while they are in the womb? (20:12) The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Baptism Michael - What type of indulgences are available this week and what is the history behind them? (29:37) *Only one-third of Americans attend worship weekly or 'almost weekly’ (35:18)

Patrick engages with callers who express their skepticism and concern about the statistics that 77% of Catholics do not attend mass regularly. They discuss the cultural aspect of Catholicism and the importance of proper catechesis in nurturing a deeper understanding and practice of the faith. They also highlight the impact of Relevant Radio in educating and inspiring listeners to return to the practice of their Catholic faith. The conversation delves into the significance of the Eucharistic Congress and the need for a more fervent and committed Catholic community.   Katherine - I think that poll (from the end of the last hour) is wrong about Catholics. They aren't including the senior citizens who can't make it to the Church but they do watch Mass on-line. (00:42) Ann - Catholics not going to Mass: I was in the military and we would go to military chapels all over the world and people were surprised that we went to Church on Sunday. (08:14) Tracy - A priest told me that it was a mortal sin to deliberately watch mass instead of going in person. He also said that you'd probably get different answers from different priests. (18:36) Lorraine - Is it a sin to start having doubts about your religion? (21:00) Sam - Have you seen the swallows that fly near Mission San Juan Capistrano during Saint Joseph's Feast Day? John - What is the best form of prayer when going to Adoration? (37:32) Sofia - 77% of Catholics not going to Church: I was one of those until they closed the Churches during Covid. That brought me back to the Church. (41:37) Amy - My husband is a devout Catholic, but he doesn't love me. (44:13)

Patrick addresses a sensitive and important topic in marriage and relationships. A listener, Amy, shares her struggles with her husband's understanding of the purpose of the marriage act and his reluctance to engage in physical intimacy. Patrick offers insightful and compassionate guidance, clarifying the Church's teachings on marriage and the balance between procreation and pleasure within the marital bond. He empowers Amy to seek counseling and provides valuable advice on finding a Catholic therapist. Their conversation sheds light on the challenges many couples face and offers hope for resolution and deeper understanding.  (02:06)   Jacey - I heard that Saint Jude was the cousin of Jesus, which didn't sound right. When Judas kissed Jesus, I heard that Jesus forgave him, but Judas didn't accept his forgiveness, which is why Judas went to hell. Is that true? (15:03) Merritt (11-years-old) - If Adam and Eve never sinned, would the devil still try to tempt us? (20:30) Erin - I tried what you suggested and called the Abby to meet with a priest, but it didn't help. What should I do now? (25:53) Patrick recommends a Catholic therapist: https://joesikorra.com/ Mark - My dad passed away in 2020, without going to confession. Is there anything I can do for him now? Also, I am trying to get to confession with my two younger kids before Mass but they didn't have confessions in our church. Is there anything we can do so we can receive Communion on Sunday? (38:41) Kathy - What book can I get my teenager about preparing him for living a moral life? (44:54)

Patrick discusses the tragic bridge collapse in Baltimore and its profound implications for life's uncertainties. Plus, he tackles tough questions on purgatory and dispels misconceptions about the Catholic faith. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge and deepen your understanding of important issues.   Baltimore's colossal Key Bridge collapsed when container ship crashed into it. We fear there are mass casualties and we pray for those souls and for everyone in Baltimore in the aftermath of this travesty Renee - Did Purgatory exist before Jesus died on the Cross? (06:24) Brandon - I talked with a friend who thought it was bad that the Pope had a direct line to God. How do I respond to this? (13:25) A group of 26 academics have challenged the International Olympic Committee's framework on the inclusion of transgender athletes in sport, saying it does not protect fairness for women nor align with scientific or medical evidence. (18:45) Ledda - In your confession helper, it says that a woman who commits abortion automatically is excommunicated, but Pope Francis said the sin can be absolved (26:54) Dan - Why did Judas need to identify Jesus the night that Jesus was arrested? (34:36) Katya - Why are exorcist priests regarded more than regular priests and why don't dioceses make them known to the public? (40:41) Mark - Is the Passion according to Mark read every year or do they rotate Passion narratives? (46:25)

The show takes a poignant turn as a caller, Ronald from Austin, Texas, shares his struggles with drug addiction and marriage difficulties. Patrick listens empathetically and offers counseling, resource recommendations, and connections to experienced priests who can provide guidance and spiritual support.   Kimberley (email) – My in-Laws hate the Catholic Church and refuse to come to the grandkids confirmation. (01:52) Patrick strongly recommends checking out the entire “Beginning Apologetics” series by Jim Burnham and Fr. Frank Chacon Ronald - I am getting divorced because I am a drug addict, but I am trying to get clean (I am a few days clean right now). What can I do? (08:52) Mark - When I am at dinner parties, my wife forbids me from speaking about religion (20:13) Maria – How can I find a good spiritual director? (25:45) Frank (email) – Collecting semen from fallen Israel soldiers so widows can conceive using IVF (35:31) Mary - Is receiving spiritual communion pointless if I have already received communion physically that day? (40:18) Christina (email) – Some family members are finally getting married after living together for 5 years, but it will not be a Catholic wedding.

In this hour of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick hears touching stories of faith, perseverance, and family struggles. From navigating the process of returning to the Catholic Church to finding peace amid strained relationships, the listeners' experiences are honest and heartfelt.   Tom – Do you know anything about Saint Wilhelmina? Katie (email) – We’re not Catholic celebrities and I think you didn’t give good advice to Mary who was looking for a spiritual director Diana – If a marriage isn’t valid, does it need to be annulled before remarrying? (11:36) Brian - Can a mentally ill person come back into the church? (18:27) Donna - My son is getting more distant ever since he married his wife. He doesn't go to church anymore either. (24:29) Regan - My kids have sports this weekend, which conflicts with Holy Week. What should I do? (33:26) Mary - Can I have Masses offered for Non-Catholic people who have died? (38:18) Dan - I want Ben, who called in yesterday, to know he is not alone if he is struggling with long term depression. (42:05) Jaime - Friend is converting to the Catholic Faith and getting confirmed. What can I give him?

Patrick has a profound conversation with a courageous caller, Beth, who shares her journey of healing from past trauma and family dysfunction. They discuss the complexities of forgiveness, the importance of seeking proper counseling and spiritual support, and addressing unresolved pain. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is a process, and seeking professional help and spiritual guidance is key.   Beth - I was raped by my brother-in-law when I was 13. My family says that I should get over it since it only happened once. It opens up the wound when I interact with my family. Can I forgive my family without interacting with them? (01:08) Pamela – Is it necessary to reach out to the person who you forgive? My Ex was abusive to our kids and even though they forgive him, they don't know if they should reach out to him? What does forgiveness actually look like? (24:57) Michael - We read the Passion of Christ and the Deacon ask us to sit for the entire Passion reading. Is that okay? (36:54) Fred – What do you think about the statement, “no one can be sure about their salvation”? (38:34) Linda - Is there a relationship between Easter and the pagan holiday? (44:12)

Ben, from Miami, express his battle with depression and thoughts of taking his own life. With compassion and empathy, Patrick Madrid offers reassurance and support, reminding Ben of God's love and the value of his life. He encourages Ben to seek professional help, provides practical advice, and urges him to resist the negative voices. The conversation ends with a message of hope and a promise of prayer.   Erica (email) – Can I bring my dog on a Good Friday walk? (01:41) Joe (email) - Where does pride begin and scrupulosity end? (04:41) Fides – What was the title of that book about suffering? “Making Sense of Suffering” by Peter Kreeft (08:57) What gift can I give someone who is in RCIA and will be coming into the Church on Saturday? Mike - I used to think some people weren't helpful, but the reason is because I didn't want to hear or be convicted by them. (11:12) Philip - My brother is a non-believer. What should I have him read to convert him? (14:42) Karen - Should I cancel leading the rosary at my church for Holy Saturday? (26:11) Ben - Would God be mad at me if I took my life? (28:18) Gale – Why is the verse where the man runs away naked in the garden in the bible? (36:54) Rachel - It has been 8 years since I had gotten help for my depression. I know exactly what Ben is going through. (44:19)

Patrick answers listener questions on relevant topics such as the meaning behind specific passages in the Bible, the impact of baptism and exorcism, and the significance of ringing bells during Catholic Mass. The engaging discussions touch on everything from historical church practices to personal experiences with spiritual warfare.   Michael - I had very strong suicidal issues all my life. When I was baptized in the Eastern Church at the age of 31, it immediately went away (05:45) Candace – Why do they ring bells during Mass? (13:18) Chris (email) - Is it okay to do home projects on Good Friday or Holy Saturday? (21:51) Alicia - Could a priest give someone contemplating suicide the Anointing of the Sick? (23:48) Clare - Since Marijuana was legalized, a lot of my in-laws are on drugs. How do I deal with that? (28:55) John - I heard some Catholic charities are not very Catholic. Can I give to non-Catholic Organizations instead? (41:35) Michelle - I work with a woman who is Catholic but is always referencing the spirit in weird ways. (45:18)