The Best of the Week

Episodes

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  Should You Receive the Eucharist in Mortal Sin? (The Inner Life) 12.08.2026 3m

  What should a Catholic do if they have committed a mortal sin but are approaching Mass and Holy Communion? On The Inner Life, host Deacon Patrick Conley shared a question from Robert in Montclair, California: “What about receiving the Eucharist in mortal sin?” The answer begins with what mortal sin means. When someone knowingly and deliberately chooses grave evil contrary to Christ’s commandments, that choice ruptures his relationship with God. Holy Communion expresses precisely the opposite. Receiving the Eucharist is a sign of communion with Christ – not only professing belief in Him, but seeking to live according to His commandments. That is why knowingly receiving the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin creates a serious contradiction and is, itself, another serious sin. “If we are living in mortal sin or have committed mortal sin, we should not be presenting ourselves to Holy Communion,” guest Fr. John Paul Erickson explained. “The manner of our life has said, ‘I don’t want to be one with Jesus.’” The Church therefore teaches that a Catholic who is conscious of having committed mortal sin ordinarily must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion. Far from being merely a restriction, this teaching points toward reconciliation. If grave sin has separated us from friendship with God, Christ offers us a way home through His mercy. As Fr. John Paul encouraged listeners, “We need to get to confession as quickly as we can so that our lives can be in conformity with the way of eternal life.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  A Bright Future for the Church and the Knights of Columbus (The Drew Mariani Show) 12.08.2026 13m

  Broadcasting from the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Denver, Drew Mariani sat down with Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to talk about the future of Catholic men, the Church, and the New Evangelization. Kelly highlighted COR, an initiative bringing men together for prayer, faith formation, and fraternity. What began four years ago with just 60 Knights of Columbus councils has expanded to 6,000. “There’s a hunger to know their faith,” Kelly said. COR gives men an opportunity to respond to that hunger alongside other Catholic men. And its growth comes amid encouraging signs of young people discovering—or rediscovering—the Catholic Faith. Kelly also reflected on the Knights’ theme this year, “In the One, We Are One,” drawn from Pope Leo XIV’s episcopal motto. At a time marked by division and isolation, Kelly sees unity and fraternity as increasingly important. Looking ahead, he sees reason for hope. “What I see, I see a brightness coming,” Kelly said. “I see people interested in their faith.” For Kelly, that renewal is connected to the vision of the New Evangelization promoted by Pope St. John Paul II. And the Knights hope to be part of it by helping Catholic men grow closer to Christ, serve others, and strengthen their families and parishes. As Kelly put it, “Where the Church thrives, the Knights thrive.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  How the Crucifix Helped a Navy Officer Hear God’s Call (The Mark Swartzberg Show) 12.08.2026 23m

  Father Patrick Costello entered the U.S. Naval Academy preparing for military service. But through daily Mass, the Rosary, and the example of faithful priests, he began hearing another call: the priesthood. That call became clearer after graduation when he was stationed in Japan. Father Costello frequently traveled to Nagasaki, where St. Paul Miki and his companions were martyred. Standing where Catholics had given their lives for Christ made a lasting impression. “Something in me really stirred,” Father Costello told Mark on The Mark Swartzberg Show. “I really had a desire for giving my life to Christ in some way.” Now a Navy chaplain serving at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Father Costello encourages Catholics to discover that same spirit of self-gift by contemplating Jesus on the Cross. He suggested simply looking at a crucifix and recognizing Christ’s sacrifice as a personal act of love. The Mass offers an especially powerful opportunity to respond. As the priest elevates the Host, Father Costello recommends making an interior offering: “Lord, I give you my life. I lay my life down for you this day.” Then, when receiving Holy Communion, we can remember that Christ gives Himself completely to us, and offer ourselves back to Him. The Stations of the Cross, the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, and meditation on the Passion can also deepen this union with Christ Crucified. Father Costello’s journey from Annapolis to Japan and eventually the priesthood shows what can happen when we make room for God each day. Prayer gradually teaches us not merely to admire Christ’s sacrifice, but to offer our own lives in return. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Why Should Catholics Pray the Rosary? (The Patrick Madrid Show) 12.08.2026 8m

  For Catholics returning to the Faith, the Rosary can sometimes raise a basic question: Why do we pray it? On The Patrick Madrid Show, caller Al asked Patrick Madrid about the Rosary’s origins and importance. Patrick explained that far from distracting us from Jesus, the Rosary invites us to meditate more deeply on His life. “The origin…of the Rosary as such is the Holy Bible,” Patrick said. He explained that its traditional 150 Hail Marys parallel the Bible’s 150 Psalms. More importantly, the mysteries draw our attention to pivotal moments in the life of Christ. The Joyful Mysteries take us through events including the Annunciation, Nativity, and Presentation. The Sorrowful Mysteries lead us into Christ’s Passion and Death, the Glorious Mysteries begin with His Resurrection and Ascension, and the Luminous Mysteries help us focus on the moments of light in Christ's life. “The idea behind the Rosary is to meditate upon the mysteries of the life of Christ,” Patrick explained. The Rosary also asks the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us as we contemplate her Son. As Patrick told Al, approaching the prayer this way can help us go deeper in the Bible. For anyone wanting to understand the Rosary more deeply, Patrick recommended Pope Saint John Paul II’s apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, which explores the prayer’s biblical and theological dimensions. The Rosary is an invitation to walk through the Gospel with Mary while keeping our attention fixed on Jesus. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Priestly Brotherhood Through the Companions of Christ (The Tim Glemkowski Show) 12.08.2026 11m

  Priesthood can bring unique challenges, including loneliness and isolation. On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Tim spoke with Father Max Behna about the Companions of Christ, an association offering diocesan priests another way: pursuing their vocation in intentional community. The Companions remain diocesan priests serving parishes, but they commit to a rule of life centered on communion with Jesus and fraternity with brother priests. “It’s just this intentional lifestyle of trying to pursue holiness, be in communion with Jesus, but to do that together with brother priests,” Father Behna explained. That includes regular meals, prayer, study, and, when permitted by the bishop, living together even while serving separate assignments. Father Behna currently lives with two other priests. Together, they pray a Holy Hour every morning. The Companions also voluntarily embrace the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience according to their priestly vocation. The goal is not simply companionship for its own sake, but a common life that strengthens each priest’s relationship with Christ and his service to God’s people. The model is not for every diocesan priest, Father Behna emphasized. But for those called to it, brotherhood can offer important protection against isolation while fostering holiness and mission. As Tim observed, “Communion is the ground of mission.” The Companions of Christ offer a compelling example of what that communion can look like: priests praying, growing, and serving together. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Could Organ Donation Begin Before a Patient Is Truly Dead? (Trending with Timmerie) 12.08.2026 5m

  On Trending with Timmerie, Timmerie raises serious concerns about organ procurement and the need to protect patients whose lives may still hang in the balance. She points to federal proceedings involving Network for Hope in Kentucky. According to the information Timmerie shared, federal officials reviewed 351 cases from 2021–2024 in which organ donation had been authorized but not completed. Of those, 103 raised concerns, including 73 patients who reportedly displayed neurological signs incompatible with proceeding with organ donation. The issue became frighteningly concrete in the case of Anthony “TJ” Hoover. As Timmerie recounts, Hoover was being prepared for organ donation when he began moving and showing other signs of consciousness. Thankfully, the procedure was stopped, and he survived. For Catholics, the concern goes beyond medical procedure. Every human person possesses inherent dignity, and a patient must never be treated merely as a potential source of organs. Timmerie argues that these reports should prompt careful scrutiny of how brain death and death itself are determined in practice. Medicine must remain ordered toward the good of the patient, especially when that patient cannot speak for himself. The controversy is ultimately a reminder that end-of-life decisions demand prudence, clarity, and unwavering respect for human life. As Timmerie emphasizes, the wisdom of the Church can help Catholics navigate difficult questions surrounding treatment, suffering, and natural death. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  One Family Takes on the Alps (Family Rosary Across America) 12.08.2026 1m

  Julie from Indianapolis, Indiana, called Family Rosary Across America with one big prayer request: safety for her family’s adventure in the Alps. Her 41-year-old son is taking on an incredible 107-mile ultramarathon, while his 6-year-old son will run a 3-kilometer race. Father Rocky promised prayers—and made one request of his own: “He’s got to send a picture of him at the end of the race.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  When Your Family Disrespects Your Spouse (Marriage Unhindered) 12.08.2026 11m

  What do you do when your extended family repeatedly disrespects your spouse? On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer responds to a husband whose sister has repeatedly insulted his wife while his mother dismisses the behavior as simply “who she is.” Now, the couple is considering distancing themselves from the family altogether. Doug’s message is clear: Ignoring bad behavior doesn’t create peace. “You don’t solve problems by ignoring them or brushing them under the rug,” he says. The husband’s wife suggested sitting down with the family to clear the air and establish expectations. Doug agrees with the idea, but says the husband needs to take responsibility for addressing his own family. “In marriage, I mean, here’s the rule, okay? The husband handles problems with his side of the family and the wife handles problems with her side of the family.” Rather than confronting everyone at once, Doug recommends beginning with a brief, direct conversation with the sister. The goal isn’t to debate whether her opinions about his wife are justified. Instead, the husband should calmly explain that criticism, belittling, and cruel remarks toward his wife will no longer be tolerated. If the disrespect continues, consequences may be necessary, including stepping away from family gatherings. That can feel drastic, especially when children are involved. But Doug challenges the assumption that children always benefit from relationships with extended family. If relatives are consistently dysfunctional, disrespectful, or cruel, creating distance may actually protect the child. Ultimately, marriage changes a person’s primary earthly family commitment. The husband himself pointed to Scripture’s teaching that a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife. Doug says his extended family needs to understand that if they force him to choose, “You’re going to choose her.” Setting boundaries isn’t about retaliation. It’s about protecting your marriage, refusing to enable destructive behavior, and making clear that your spouse deserves kindness and respect. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Another Joyful Answer to Prayer (Family Rosary Across America) 05.08.2026 1m

  The Relevant Radio family celebrated a beautiful answer to prayer this week as Maggie shared the joyful news that baby Riley was born healthy after a scheduled C-section. Riley’s parents had previously asked listeners to pray for their long-awaited “miracle walk-to-marry baby,” and those prayers were answered. Fr. Rocky responded with heartfelt gratitude, thanking God and reflecting on the many prayers offered through the Family Rosary Across America. “Thanks be to God,” he said. “I'm happy for the baby, happy for the parents, and happy the prayers have been answered.” It was a moving reminder that God hears the prayers of His people and that the Relevant Radio family continues to unite in faith, hope, and trust through every joy and every trial. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  How Can We Help Others Believe Jesus Is Truly Present? (The Inner Life) 05.08.2026 3m

  Many Catholics long for others to discover the beauty of Eucharistic Adoration. On The Inner Life, a caller named Cindy shared her heartfelt desire to see Adoration Chapels filled with people who truly believe Jesus is present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in the Blessed Sacrament. Cindy spoke of the joy she experiences in Adoration and her hope that others would encounter the same peace. She often invites friends to visit the chapel, but wonders what more Catholics can do to inspire belief in the Real Presence. Monsignor Thomas Richter encouraged her not to lose heart. "It requires having a fire in one's heart, and you clearly have that," he said. He reminded Cindy that while we can “witness to our love for the Eucharist, only God can awaken supernatural faith in another person.” His advice was simple: entrust that longing to Jesus. Pray for those He desires to draw to Himself, remain faithful, and continue inviting others with love. Our witness matters, but ultimately Christ is the One who calls every soul into His Eucharistic presence. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Marriage Was Always Part of God’s Plan (Marriage Unhindered) 05.08.2026 11m

  What if marriage isn't simply a human institution, but part of God's plan from the very beginning of creation? On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer welcomes biblical scholar Dr. John Bergsma to discuss his book Love Basics for Catholics. Together, they explore how the opening chapters of Genesis reveal marriage as a reflection of God's own nature. Dr. Bergsma explains that Adam, formed from the virgin soil of the earth, points forward to Christ, the "new Adam," whose Resurrection began from a virgin tomb. From Genesis to the Resurrection, Scripture reveals God's desire to enter into a covenant of love with His people. The conversation centers on a striking claim from Dr. Bergsma's book: "God created the world for marriage." Throughout Scripture, God describes His relationship with His people in spousal terms, culminating in Christ's union with His Church. Every Christian marriage reflects that divine love. Dr. Bergsma also highlights how the creation of man and woman in God's image points to the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Husband and wife become "one flesh," and their love naturally opens itself to new life, offering a beautiful glimpse of the communion of persons within God Himself. Far from being merely a social institution, marriage is an icon of God's love and an invitation to participate in His divine life. It's a reminder that every faithful marriage tells the greatest love story ever written. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  What is the True Purpose of a Catholic Funeral? (The Drew Mariani Show) 05.08.2026 12m

  Catholic funerals have increasingly begun to resemble celebrations of life rather than sacred moments of prayer for the deceased. On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew welcomed Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois to discuss why several U.S. bishops are reinforcing long-standing Catholic funeral practices. Bishop Paprocki explained that these updated policies are not introducing anything new. Instead, they are meant to preserve the Church's understanding of the funeral liturgy amid what he called "liturgical anomalies" that have become more common in recent years. "Our culture's discomfort with death" has shifted the focus, the bishop noted, replacing prayers for the soul with personal tributes, lengthy eulogies, and celebrations centered almost entirely on the life of the deceased. Drew shared his own experience attending a relative's non-Catholic memorial service and lamented the absence of the funeral Mass. Bishop Paprocki acknowledged that while individuals may choose not to have a Catholic funeral, it is especially heartbreaking when faithful Catholics are denied the rites of the Church because family members no longer practice the Faith. The bishop also reminded listeners that a Catholic funeral is intended to unfold in three parts: the vigil, the Funeral Mass, and the committal at the cemetery. Together, these rites pray for the deceased, offer comfort to the grieving, and proclaim the Christian hope of the Resurrection. The conversation also addressed the growing practice of scattering cremated remains or keeping ashes at home. While recognizing families' desire to honor loved ones, Bishop Paprocki emphasized the importance of treating the body with dignity and following the Church's funeral rites. In the end, the discussion served as a timely reminder that a Catholic funeral is not primarily about looking back on someone's life, but about entrusting that person to God's mercy and praying for the repose of his or her soul. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Seeing the Beauty in Every Life (The Mark Swartzberg Show) 05.08.2026 25m

  What if the greatest blessing in your life arrived wrapped in fear? On The Mark Swartzberg Show, Heather Avis, founder of The Lucky Few and mother of two children with Down syndrome, shared how God transformed her understanding of disability, belonging, and the dignity of every human person. When Heather and her husband learned the little girl they hoped to adopt had Down syndrome, they were met with discouraging voices that treated the diagnosis as a tragedy. Yet everything changed the moment she held her daughter in her arms. “I remember saying out loud, ‘I don't know what I was so afraid of,’ because in my hands was a baby.” That encounter replaced fear with love and opened Heather’s eyes to the unique gift her daughter would be to their family. As her children grew, Heather came to reject the idea that disability is something to be “fixed.” Instead, she discovered that every person is intentionally created by God. Speaking about Down syndrome, she reflected that God lovingly formed each of her children exactly as they are, reminding us that every human life reflects His goodness. That conviction shaped her mission to help children recognize that they belong. Through her books, Heather encourages young readers to see themselves – and others – as worthy of love, not because of accomplishments, but because they are made in the image of God. Her message extends beyond families affected by disability. In a culture driven by comparison and achievement, Heather offers a refreshing reminder that our value is not earned. We don't need to become someone else to deserve love. We already belong. As Mark reflected during their conversation, this truth echoes what so many experience before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament: the peace of simply being loved as we are. When we begin to see ourselves through God's eyes, we become free to recognize the dignity and beauty in every person we meet. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Can You Separate the Art from the Artist? (The Patrick Madrid Show) 05.08.2026 13m

  Supporting artists has become more complicated in a culture where personal activism often accompanies creative work. On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick Madrid responds to a listener who wonders how Catholics can encourage the arts without indirectly supporting ideas that contradict the Faith. Patrick explains that prudence is key. If an artist openly promotes causes that oppose fundamental moral truths, Catholics should thoughtfully consider whether purchasing that work is appropriate. At the same time, he distinguishes between an artist's personal beliefs and the work itself. In some cases, it is possible to appreciate music, literature, or other art without endorsing everything about the person who created it. The conversation also explores how propaganda differs from genuine art. Patrick and Cyrus share examples of entertainment that intentionally pushes an ideological message, noting that when advocacy becomes the central purpose of a work, it can be wise to simply walk away. Ultimately, Patrick encourages listeners to form their consciences rather than adopt a one-size-fits-all rule. When an artist's public activism directly conflicts with the Catholic Faith, choosing not to support that work can be a meaningful witness. In other situations, separating the art from the artist may be reasonable. The discussion serves as a reminder that Catholics are called to seek what is true, good, and beautiful while exercising charity, prudence, and sound judgment in every decision. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  What Makes a Great Father? (Trending with Timmerie) 05.08.2026 15m

  In a culture where many men grew up without strong examples of fatherhood, how can they learn to lead their families well? On Trending with Timmerie, Dr. John Bishop offers a hopeful answer: they don't have to figure it out alone. Dr. Bishop acknowledges the challenges facing fathers today but believes this moment presents a unique opportunity to rediscover authentic masculinity through the wisdom of the Catholic Church. Research consistently points to the lasting impact of an involved father, especially one who actively lives his faith. Fathers play a vital role not only in their children's emotional well-being but also in passing on the Faith to the next generation. Rather than looking to today's culture for answers, Dr. Bishop encourages men to seek out faithful mentors. "The best thing that you can do is immerse yourself in a community of other men that you want to respect," he says. Learning from older husbands and fathers provides practical guidance on everything from leading a family to navigating life's everyday struggles. Timmerie echoes that challenge, urging older generations to pass on both practical skills and life experience with encouragement instead of criticism. Whether it's repairing a car, fixing things around the house, or simply modeling faithful family life, those relationships can help bridge the growing divide between generations. Both agree that strong families are built through authentic community. As men learn from those who have walked the path before them, they gain confidence to become loving husbands, faithful fathers, and spiritual leaders in their own homes. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  A Conversation Every Young Woman Needs: Freedom or Fulfillment? (The Tim Glemkowski Show) 05.08.2026 7m

  Why are many young men returning to faith while fewer young women are? On The Tim Glemkowski Show, Tim Glemkowski and Mallory Smyth explore a question facing the Church today and offer a hopeful path forward. Mallory suggests that many young men have found relatable voices online who speak confidently about faith and purpose. Young women, however, often struggle to find mentors who understand their experiences. Many have grown up believing that freedom means unlimited options, making the Gospel's call to sacrifice seem restrictive rather than life-giving. But what if the better question isn't, "How can I be the most free?" but "How can I be the most fulfilled?" Drawing from her own experience as a wife and mother, Mallory reflects on the surprising joy that comes through self-giving love. Modern culture often teaches that life is primarily about personal achievement, yet the demands of family reveal a different path, one where fulfillment is found in loving others. "I spend most of my days just literally cleaning up spilled milk," she says. "I'm not always happy. I'm so fulfilled." Tim notes that helping young women embrace this vision won't happen through a single conversation. It requires patient mentorship, authentic relationships, and women willing to walk alongside others as "older sisters" in the Faith. Mallory concludes with a message of hope. The Christian life requires sacrifice, but through God's grace it becomes a path to real joy and sanctification. She believes many young women long for that deeper purpose. They simply need someone to show them the way. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Prayers for a Mother as She Battles Cancer (The Family Rosary Across America) 29.07.2026 2m

  On the Family Rosary Across America, Fr. Rocky welcomed 8-year-old twins Liam and Caleb from Jacksonville, Florida. Both boys called with the same heartfelt intention: prayers for their mother as she battles cancer. Liam shared that his mom had recently undergone major surgery and chemotherapy. Along with asking for her healing, he added another intention that reflected the innocence of a child's heart: “I want the world to have peace, no war... and I want Mommy to have speedy recovery.” Caleb echoed his brother's faith-filled request. “Please pray for Mommy to help with her cancer problems... Please pray for speedy recovery too.” Moved by their love for their mother, Fr. Rocky assured them that listeners across the country would join them in prayer. “The whole country is going to pray for complete and speedy recovery of your mother because you love her so much. Please, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, come to her aid.” Their call was a beautiful reminder that childlike faith trusts God completely and that no prayer is ever offered alone when the Relevant Radio family comes together in the Rosary. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  Fight Fear with Truth (The Inner Life) 29.07.2026 2m

  Eighty-year-old Francis from Buckeye, Arizona, called The Inner Life with a question many faithful Catholics quietly carry: How do I know if my guilty thoughts come from my conscience—or from the enemy? Although Francis regularly prays and goes to confession, he admitted that fears about his past keep returning. He wondered if he should make a general confession because he never feels certain he's done enough. Guest Fr. Nicholas Federspiel offered a memorable way to recognize those discouraging thoughts: beware of "UFOs" – Untruths that lead to False narratives and prompt Overreactions. The lie Francis believed was that he wasn't good enough for Heaven. Instead of dwelling on that fear, he was encouraged to proclaim the truth out loud. Together, they repeated a simple affirmation: "I am Francis. Jesus loves me in Buckeye, Arizona. I had 80 great years of heartbeats. And Jesus' promises include me." The message wasn't about ignoring sin or avoiding repentance. It was a reminder to trust God's mercy after sincerely seeking His forgiveness. Persistent accusations that lead only to fear and despair are not the voice of the Good Shepherd. Deacon Patrick Conley echoed that encouragement, reminding Francis that staying close to Christ through prayer and faithful Catholic resources helps keep those anxious thoughts at bay. When fear tells you that God's mercy couldn't possibly include you, answer it with the truth. Christ's promises are for every repentant heart—including yours. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  A Father’s Guide to Raising Daughters With Modesty (Marriage Unhindered) 29.07.2026 11m

  Summer brings family trips to the beach and afternoons by the pool, but for many parents, it also raises difficult questions about modesty. On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer responds to a father struggling to guide his 17-year-old daughter through a culture that often treats modesty as outdated. Doug encourages parents not to see modesty as merely a dress code, but as a lesson in human dignity. Drawing from Pope Saint John Paul II’s Love and Responsibility, he explains that modesty protects the person from being reduced to an object. Every person is called to be loved for who they are, not simply for how they look. He offers a memorable image: a woman’s body should be treated with the same reverence we give a tabernacle. Just as the tabernacle bears the presence of Christ, the feminine body carries the incredible dignity of being ordered toward the gift of new life. That truth deserves respect, not commodification. Speaking from experience as the father of four daughters, Doug acknowledges these conversations are rarely easy. He believes fathers have a unique responsibility to help their daughters understand how men often think visually and why modesty matters. Rather than focusing on shame or rigid rules, he encourages parents to teach that clothing should never distract from a person's true beauty: their character, intelligence, and soul. Doug also reminds parents that this battle requires perseverance. Today's fashions and cultural messages often make modest choices difficult, but parents shouldn't be discouraged by resistance. Loving guidance, clear expectations, and consistent conversations help form virtues that will serve children for a lifetime. In a world that often measures worth by appearance, modesty becomes a quiet witness to something greater: every person possesses an inherent dignity that deserves reverence. Helping children embrace that truth is one of the most important gifts parents can give. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.
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  St. Bridget’s Timeless Invitation to Draw Closer to Christ (The Drew Mariani Show) 29.07.2026 12m

  St. Bridget of Sweden is remembered as one of the Church’s great mystics, but before her extraordinary visions, she lived an ordinary life. She was a wife, mother of eight, and faithfully carried out the daily responsibilities of family life. It was through that ordinary fidelity that God prepared her for an extraordinary mission. On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew reflected on how a childhood vision of Christ crucified transformed St. Bridget’s life. Moved by Our Lord’s Passion, she developed a lifelong devotion to His suffering and later helped spread prayers that continue to inspire Catholics today. Drew also highlighted the devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, encouraging listeners to meditate on Our Lady’s sorrows alongside Christ’s Passion. He noted that this devotion, renewed through the approved apparitions at Kibeho, Rwanda, offers a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus and to seek Our Lady’s maternal intercession during life's trials. Another treasure associated with St. Bridget is the Pietà Prayer Book, which contains the well-known Fifteen Prayers attributed to her. While many promises have circulated alongside these prayers, Drew offered an important reminder: the Church approves these prayers for private devotion but has not authenticated the supernatural origin of every promise associated with them. The value of these prayers is found above all in their invitation to contemplate Christ’s saving love. Whether you're praying for healing, peace in your family, or the strength to persevere through difficult circumstances, St. Bridget’s example reminds us that authentic devotion always leads us deeper into the Heart of Christ. The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here. Image Credit: Carlston Marcks, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons