The Patrick Madrid Show

Father Matthew Spencer is filling in for Patrick as the Christmas season approaches. The episode features insightful conversations, including a caller's question about the differences between infant and adult baptism, a listener's comment on Catholic traditions, and a discussion about Pope Francis's recent document on blessings for same-sex marriages. Join us as Father Matthew shares his thoughts, stories, and wisdom on these important topics and more. E-Frank - What's the difference between adult and infant baptism? Pat - I'm in my 70s, but back in Catholic School we learned to always bow at the name of Jesus and to bow during the Glory Be. Joe - Did Pope Francis say it is OK to bless same-sex marriages? (08:24) Fr. Matthew comments on the days of obligation George - My high school teacher said that when we see headlines in secular media about the Church you can believe the opposite. John – Please bless my son and daughter-in-law who are having twins at any moment Xavier - How do you forgive yourself after you've been forgiven in confession Janet - I'm a Catholic school teacher and I'm struggling with the same-sex blessings. I teach third grade. What should I tell them? Jill - My family is the only practicing Catholics in our family. We have a transgender person and a lesbian couple coming to Christmas. How do I navigate this? Claudia - Why is the pink candle lit two weeks prior to Christmas? (45:49)

Special Guest Host Father Matthew, Cyrus and a caller from San Antonio, engage in a heartfelt discussion about the true meaning of Christmas, the significance of attending Mass on both Sunday and Christmas, and the captivating message conveyed in A Charlie Brown Christmas. The episode celebrates the rich spiritual depth and tradition of the holiday season while addressing common misconceptions and providing guidance for listeners to fully embrace the essence of the Christmas liturgy. Shirley – Did Jesus say, “love they neighbor as thyself”? Wuerner - Where do the seven deadly sins come from? (07:04) Sharon - Could I offer Gregorian Masses for my relatives that passed away 50 years ago? Is there another way to honor them? Mick – What is the precise definition of blessings, who is authorized to give them, and what power do they have? Carol - Where I live there is no additional available confessions before Christmas. If priests are not available, what are we supposed to do? Fr. Matthew and Cyrus talk about It’s a Wonderful Life and A Charlie Brown Christmas Special (35:36) Raymond - If we go to Midnight Mass will that satisfy our Sunday obligation?

Patrick addresses a listener's confusion about the recent Vatican document regarding blessings for same-sex couples and offers his insights and concerns. Patrick delves into the apparent contradictions between the recent document and a previous response from the Vatican, highlighting the confusion and potential implications. Throughout the conversation, Patrick emphasizes the importance of staying true to Jesus' teachings and standing firm in the faith. There’s a new Relevant Radio app and it’s 100% free! Joanna - What does the new blessing mean? I don't understand why they bless the couples? (05:45) When does Patrick put up his Christmas tree? (21:25) Michael – What happened to the word “Amen”? Greg - Can the Church bless non-married heterosexual couples? Patrick comments on the role and need of repentance Nora - My sister has 3 children and just got evicted from her home. She has a history of drug addiction and has been homeless before. Should I help her?

Patrick and Cyrus discuss the new and improved relevant radio app, and the importance of show notes for easy navigation and sharing. Listeners also learn about the provision for general absolution in the Catholic Church, and the responsibilities it entails for both priests and the faithful. The conversation then turns to the prevalence of LGBT issues in today's culture, and the challenges of engaging in meaningful dialogue with those who hold differing views. There’s a new Relevant Radio app and it’s 100% free! Lisa – What is a communal general absolution and is it allowed? Steve - Why do you think the culture emphasizes the LGBT movement so much today? (10:37) Ellen – Comments on “misguided mercy” in regards to the LGBTQ agenda. When getting a blessing in general from a priest does it have more power based on our soul's state? Michael - As someone who came out of sexual sin, I am very against the blessing of the gay unions. Are there any Bishops who have spoken out against the document? (34:35) Patrick shares the article “Bishops around the world are divided over Vatican’s same-sex blessing declaration”

Patrick dives into a variety of topics brought up by insightful and engaged listeners. From discussing the significance of wearing a crucifix with Jesus's body versus an empty cross, to exploring the idea of infallibility of the pope and the challenges within the Catholic Church, Patrick provides thoughtful and informed responses. He delves into the historical context of the church and offers advice on navigating complex issues with faith and dedication. Mark - Is it proper to have the crucifix with the Corpus? Rafael - I think that if Jesus isn't on the Cross, how can you say that the cross isn't of one of the thieves or someone else. Jake - Where does it say the pope is infallible? Why would this system even exist, it seems like an insecure system if he goes crazy. (11:39) Teresa - I washed an old bottle of holy water in a tub. Can I poor the holy water residue in my planters? Chris - I prayed in front of a nativity scene, but Jesus wasn't in the manger, so do I still get an indulgence? Vivian - My cousin doesn't have a father figure in his life and he gets into trouble a lot. What should I do? Megan - If I give a gift to Relevant Radio, would that be a valid tithe? Laura - My son was dating a trans woman. How do I talk with him about this? Joann – Did Jesus, Mary, and Joseph leave for Egypt because of the killing of infants? Helen – My daughter's godparents divorced and left the church. Do I need to get new godparents for my child? (42:25) Jonathan - I think losing things in life is important to growing in life.

Caller Don shares a follow-up on a previous call regarding his son's confession of stealing chips at school and the advice he received from Patrick on what to do about it, which leads to a touching discussion about parenting, forgiveness, and the power of honesty. To add to the theme of parenting and life lessons, Patrick also shares personal anecdotes, including a memorable prank phone call incident involving a visit from the deputy sheriff. Aussie legend who won a $250k scratchy jackpot on camera after waking from a 15-day coma reveals what happened next - and it's not all good Gaza hospital chief admits to being Hamas commander and using clinic as a military base Don - I called about my 6-year-old son last week and was able to talk with him about mortal sin. You helped me out a lot when I called in. (18:02) Patrick and Cyrus share stories of times when they were young and made poor decisions that had life changing consequences Keith - Did Mary have a concept of the Trinity at the Annunciation? (36:48) Tiffany - I am in RCIA and want to receive Jesus in the Eucharist at Easter but I am in a marriage that is not good or blessed by the Church. When I ask God about this, I am getting a wait response. What should I do?

Patrick delves into the controversial and thought-provoking topic of blessings for same-sex couples within the Catholic Church. Addressing the Vatican's recent release of the document on blessings and the contrasting perspectives from previous statements, this episode prompts listeners to ponder the complexities and implications of these developments. Patrick continues his conversation with Tiffany from the end of the previous hour. German - The bible talks about the snake being the craftiest of animals. And Satan is a snake. How should we read that? Irene - What is the 'darkness' in John 1:5? (11:59) Patrick explains “Papal Infallibility” and shares an article by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput (33:45) Aaron - How are we supposed to take the newest comments of the pope about gay blessings? Elizabeth - I get monthly magnificent books with reflections. Can I throw them away? What should I do with them? Ted - I think you are splitting hairs about papal infallibility. When the pope speaks, the majority of people will go with what he says regardless of infallibility. Janet - I have a surgeon who is searching for his faith, and he used to be Muslim. What can I give him to help him come into the Church? Charles - I think we are getting down to the crux of the new document. Doesn't it say that the 'union' can't be blessed, which would not contradict the document written 2 years ago. (46:10)

A catechist in RCIA seeks Patrick's guidance on why the ending doxology of the Lord's Prayer is not included in the Catholic version. Patrick explains the historical background and mentions the influence of the revision of the Mass in an effort to be more ecumenical towards Protestants. Additionally, he recommends resources for further reading on Vatican II and the changes made to the Mass. Patrick continues his conversation with Charles from the last hour Patrick - At a healing Mass I went to on Saturday, the lay people prayed over people. Was that okay? Jenney - Gay Blessings: My understanding of the couple would be similar to a boyfriend/girlfriend who are not sexual activity. What do you think? Tim - I am Byzantine Catholic. Should I not have my kids go to communion at a Latin Catholic Church? Don - Where is “thine is the kingdom” in the bible? Christine - As Catholics, when we go to Protestants services can we receive communion at those churches? (33:16) Matt - I lost a friend, Ted, recently who was an avid Relevant Radio listener and to your show. Can you pray for him? Chad - Do you need to remove your hat or make the sign of the cross every time you pray? (41:13) Kim - If Mary is a perpetual virgin, how did she have relations with Joseph?

Patrick Madrid tackles the question on everyone's mind: does the Vatican announcement signify a shift in the Church's stance on marriage? Join the conversation as Patrick explores the implications of this announcement, the potential challenges it presents, and his concerns about the future direction of the Church. The roll of blessings in the Church Eileen – It seems like the Church is moving in the direction of blessing same-sex “marriages” Isabel – This news out of the Vatican is very disturbing to me. I use to live a homosexual lifestyle but I came back into the church and got married and the Church really helped me. (19:51) Dan - Like Isabel, I am in love with a woman but it isn't working out and I am also giving my feelings for this woman to God. Ed - How I can be obedient to what the pope is saying? (38:07) Brian - I am worried that the state will start to prosecute priests who don't want to bless gay people.

After talking with a firefighter who baptized a suicide victim at the last possible moment, Patrick and Cyrus discuss firefighting and the unique camaraderie found among those in the profession. A caller raises concerns about media misrepresentation of the Vatican's stance on same-sex unions, prompting a discussion on the importance of interpreting official church documents accurately. Megan - Thank you for reminding us to not be troubled in this. Thank you for being a good male voice for my child to hear! Andrew - I am a fire fighter and last night someone shot himself in the head with a shotgun. I secretly baptized him while I was confirming his death. Was that okay? (03:38) Andre - I would like to provide a positive prospective on what the Church did with the blessing. We don't need to despair in the Catholic Church. Henry - My wife came into the church recently and the priest said I could make my first communion. Can I go to confession also? Frank - We know Mary never sinned but in Romans it says that 'all have sinned'. How do we understand this as Catholics? Carol - I went to a priest and asked if my husband and I could get confession and live as brother and sister and the priest said we didn't have to do that, so what do I do? Julie – From experience I have found it takes a while to gather paper work to get a marriage convalidated. My husband and I got our marriage blessed but it hasn't been consummated yet. Is it valid still?  Joseph - How should married couples evangelize since they don't have as much time? (45:15)