The Best of the Week

Epizódy

• A Young Girl’s Big Prayers for Her Family (Family Rosary Across America) 25.06.2026 1min

  On the Family Rosary Across America, 13-year-old Samantha from Winter Haven, Florida, called Fr. Rocky with a list of intentions that reflected both the joys and challenges of family life. First, she asked for prayers that her family could move to Ohio after discovering that their move to Florida had not worked out as hoped. But Samantha's concerns went far beyond herself. She prayed for her grandfather, who recently recovered from a serious leg injury, and for her grandmother, who is facing ongoing health struggles. She also asked for prayers that God would keep her father, brother, grandfather, and sisters safe while they work. Then came a joyful intention: Samantha requested prayers for her mother, who is expecting baby number 14. Fr. Rocky responded with amazement and encouragement, joking that Samantha and co-host Maggie might be ready for their own radio show someday. Before the call ended, Samantha's brother Francis quickly added his own intentions, asking prayers for all of his siblings, grandparents, and parents. Their call was a beautiful reminder that children often understand something adults can forget: no prayer is too small, and no family need is beyond God's care. Through their trust and sincerity, Samantha and Francis inspired listeners across the country to bring every concern to the Lord with confidence and faith. 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.
• What the Church Says About Life on Other Planets (The Inner Life) 25.06.2026 4min

  Could there be life on other planets? It's a question that has fascinated people for generations and, with renewed attention on UFOs and government disclosures, it's one many Catholics are asking today. On The Inner Life, a caller named George posed that very question to Patrick Conley and Father Dave Heney, wondering what the Catholic Church teaches about extraterrestrial life. Father Dave explained that the Church has no problem with the possibility of life beyond Earth. In fact, the Vatican addressed the topic years ago, recognizing that if life exists elsewhere in the universe, it would still be part of God's creation. The reasoning is simple: God created the heavens and the earth. Any life found anywhere in the universe would ultimately come from the same Creator. "Life anywhere, no matter where it is, is part of the universe that God created," Father Dave explained. While scientists continue to debate whether intelligent life exists beyond our planet, many believe microbial life may be possible elsewhere in the cosmos. The larger question is whether intelligent beings could travel the immense distances required to visit Earth. Current scientific understanding makes such travel difficult to explain, though Father Dave noted that future discoveries could change what we know. For Catholics, however, the most important truth remains unchanged. Whether life exists on distant planets or not, all creation belongs to God. The possibility of extraterrestrial life does not challenge the Faith. 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.
• Marriage Isn't Disposable (Marriage Unhindered) 25.06.2026 5min

  In a culture where almost everything is replaceable, what happens when that mindset creeps into marriage? On Marriage Unhindered, Doug Hinderer and Father Peter Armenio reflected on a caller’s observation that modern society often treats relationships the same way it treats broken appliances: when something stops working, people throw it away and start over. Father Armenio pointed to a deeper spiritual problem. Today's world offers comfort, convenience, and instant gratification at every turn. Yet despite having more than ever, many people remain unhappy. The missing piece, he explained, is a willingness to embrace sacrifice and self-giving love. Marriage was never meant to be sustained by romance alone. Like every vocation, it requires perseverance through ordinary struggles, personal flaws, and life's daily challenges. When difficulties arise, the Christian response is not to abandon the relationship but to work toward healing and renewal. Doug noted that the Catholic Church remains one of the few Christian communities that continues to uphold marriage as a lifelong covenant. When divorce is viewed as an easy escape, couples may never fully invest in repairing what is broken. But when spouses commit to working through difficulties, growth and restoration become possible. The statistics support this reality. Second and third marriages fail at even higher rates than first marriages, suggesting that changing partners rarely solves deeper issues. Marriage is not disposable. It is a sacred commitment that calls husbands and wives to imitate Christ's faithful love. While every marriage faces trials, the path to lasting joy is often found not in walking away from the cross, but in carrying it 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.
• One Nation Under God: Bringing Jesus to America’s Streets (The Drew Mariani Show) 25.06.2026 14min

  As America approaches its 250th anniversary, a remarkable journey is unfolding along the East Coast. The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage began in St. Augustine, Florida – the site of the first Catholic Mass celebrated in what would become the United States – and will conclude on July 4th in Philadelphia, a city rich in the nation’s history. Among the perpetual pilgrims is Mary Carmen Zakrajsek, a young Catholic from Indiana who joined The Drew Mariani Show to talk about her experience. Mary Carmen said it has been unlike anything she has ever known. Inspired by a Eucharistic procession during the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress, she applied to join the pilgrimage and now spends her days traveling with the Blessed Sacrament, bringing Christ into towns, neighborhoods, and city streets. What has struck her most is the response of ordinary people. Families line the streets, neighbors step out onto porches, and curious passersby stop to ask questions. Some join the procession on the spot. Others simply pause to watch as Jesus passes by in the Eucharist. In one New Jersey neighborhood, Mary Carmen witnessed entire communities gathering outside their homes, many encountering a Eucharistic procession for the first time. Not every reaction is enthusiastic. Some are indifferent, and others are openly skeptical. Yet Mary Carmen sees these moments as echoes of Christ’s own public ministry. Just as some followed Jesus while others ignored Him, the pilgrimage offers a visible invitation to encounter Him today. For those who feel distant from God or burdened by life's struggles, Mary Carmen offers a simple encouragement: spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist. “It is never too late to come home,” she said, urging people to visit a Catholic church, sit quietly before the Lord, and allow themselves to be transformed by His loving gaze. 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.
• The Inherent Dignity and Worth of Every Life (The Mark Swartzberg Show) 25.06.2026 16min

  Dr. Robin Pierucci has spent nearly 25 years caring for babies with serious prenatal diagnoses and walking alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. As a board-certified neonatologist, she sees firsthand how a diagnosis can shatter expectations and leave parents overwhelmed with fear. Yet her message is simple: a prenatal diagnosis is not the same as a postnatal prognosis. Too often, parents are presented with worst-case scenarios and offered little hope. On The Mark Swartzberg Show, Dr. Pierucci explains that some conditions once considered universally fatal are now known to have a much wider range of outcomes. While she never minimizes the medical challenges a child may face, she emphasizes that every child possesses inherent dignity and worth. When families come to her after receiving difficult news, one of her first questions is, “Have you chosen a name?” That simple question often brings tears. In a moment when parents may feel pressured to focus on diagnoses and statistics, naming a child acknowledges the reality that this is a unique person, deeply loved and deserving of care. Dr. Pierucci encourages parents to approach each situation with humility and hope. Medicine can provide valuable information, but it cannot predict every outcome. Some babies diagnosed with severe conditions live only briefly, while others exceed expectations and bring immeasurable joy to their families. Her goal is to help parents become advocates for their children and partners with the medical team in seeking what is best for each baby. Even when a child’s life is short, Dr. Pierucci reminds families that love is never wasted. She tells grieving parents that they have succeeded by surrounding their child with love for every moment of life. Recalling families whose babies lived only minutes or hours after birth, she has witnessed how those precious moments can become sacred memories that parents cherish forever. 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.
• Finding Your Way Home After Deep Wounds (The Patrick Madrid Show) 25.06.2026 16min

  What happens when the people meant to lead us to God become the source of our deepest pain? That was the heartbreaking reality for Olivia from Dallas, who called The Patrick Madrid Show to share her struggle with returning to the Catholic Church after years of trauma. As a child, her family stopped practicing the Faith after her cousin was murdered by a priest. Later, additional painful experiences left her feeling disconnected from parish life and uncertain about where she belonged. Now an adult, Olivia has found her way back to prayer and a relationship with God, but stepping into a church still brings anxiety. She worries about judgment, community, and whether she can truly find a place within the Church again. Patrick Madrid responded with compassion, reminding her that God understands the wounds she carries. Drawing on Jesus' image of the Good Shepherd, Patrick encouraged Olivia to see herself as the sheep Christ lovingly seeks out and carries home. "The Lord will not break the bruised reed," Patrick explained, assuring her that God takes her suffering into account and desires her healing. Rather than pushing her into a busy parish environment, Patrick suggested taking small, intentional steps. He encouraged her to seek spiritual direction from experienced priests who could walk with her patiently and help rebuild trust in the Church. For many Catholics carrying painful memories, Olivia's story is a reminder that returning to the Faith is often a journey, not a single moment. Healing takes time. Trust is rebuilt slowly. Yet Christ never stops searching for His wounded sheep. No matter how far someone has drifted or how deeply they've been hurt, the Good Shepherd continues to call them home. 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.
• Theology Beyond the Classroom (The Tim Glemkowski Show) 25.06.2026 4min

  During a discussion with Deacon Dr. Harry Schnitker of the Maryvale Institute, Tim Glemkowski explored one of the program’s most distinctive features: the community life that develops outside formal classes. At the center of that experience is a local pub overlooking the River Thames. While it may seem like an unlikely setting for theological formation, Deacon Schnitker explained that it creates space for meaningful conversations that often go deeper than those found in the classroom. Students from a wide range of backgrounds gather there to discuss faith, culture, history, literature, current events, and life itself. With participants ranging in age from their mid-20s to their late 70s, the conversations are enriched by decades of experience and diverse perspectives. For Deacon Schnitker, this reflects a central goal of Catholic education: theology should not remain isolated as an academic subject. Rather, it should shape how we understand every aspect of human life. “Theology should infuse the way we think of history, the way we think of culture, of literature, the way we think of other human beings,” he explained. Drawing inspiration from the theological vision of Pope Benedict XVI, Deacon Schnitker emphasized that faith provides a lens through which Christians can engage the world. Informal discussions become opportunities to test ideas, deepen understanding, and allow the truths of the Faith to influence society. The lesson is a simple but an important one: authentic Catholic formation happens not only in classrooms and books, but also in friendships, conversations, and communities where faith and life 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.
• A Home Meant for People, Not Perfection (Trending with Timmerie) 25.06.2026 16min

  What makes a truly Catholic home? According to HGTV designer and Catholic speaker Paige Rienzo, it’s not spotless furniture, designer décor, or the perfect summer tablescape. It’s hospitality. Speaking with Timmerie on Trending with Timmerie, Rienzo reflected on how modern culture often treats the home as a showpiece, something to preserve, protect, and display. But Christians are called to see the home differently. “The family home is the domestic church,” she explained. “We’re raising the next generation and investing in love and formation.” That perspective changes everything. Instead of worrying about impressing guests, Catholic families are invited to focus on welcoming them. Hospitality, Rienzo said, is a biblical obligation, one that doesn’t require elaborate meals or perfectly coordinated gatherings. “The meat and potatoes of hospitality is inviting someone into your space, into your family life, and just doing life with them for a few hours,” she said. Summer, in particular, offers a unique opportunity for simple connection. Whether it’s burgers on the grill, an ice cream sundae night, or a casual potluck, the goal is not perfection but presence. A simple invitation can become a moment of grace, especially for neighbors, parish families, or those who may feel isolated. Rienzo also challenged the tendency to become overly attached to possessions. If a new sofa or expensive rug makes us hesitant to welcome people into our homes, she suggested, it may be worth reconsidering what we value most. “I don’t want my things to change the way I behave with my people,” she said. One caller shared how her Irish parents kept an open-door home where everyone was welcome. Decades later, those memories remain a powerful reminder that hospitality leaves a lasting legacy. In the end, a Catholic home should not resemble a pristine real estate listing. It should be a place where faith is lived, friendships are strengthened, and people encounter Christ through genuine welcome. 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.
• Strong Bodies, Strong Souls (The Mark Swartzberg Show) 19.06.2026 11min

  When Fr. Raphael Capo joined The Mark Swartzberg Show, he shared an inspiring look at how the National Eucharistic Revival is reaching hearts far beyond church walls, including in one of the most unexpected places: the gym. As a National Eucharistic Preacher, Fr. Capo recently participated in a leg of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, accompanying pilgrims from Miami to New Jersey. Speaking at Holy Rosary Parish in Passaic, New Jersey, he encouraged Catholics to recognize that every encounter with Christ in the Eucharist sends us on mission. Whether at home, at work, or in the community, the Lord calls His followers to bring His presence into the world. Fr. Capo has embraced that mission in a unique way. Known by many as the “bodybuilding priest,” he serves student athletes at St. Thomas University in Miami and sees fitness as an opportunity for evangelization. His message is simple: remain strong in body, mind, and soul for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Just as athletes need physical nourishment to compete, every Christian needs spiritual nourishment, especially the Eucharist, to persevere in the journey to heaven. His ministry has produced remarkable fruits. By simply being present in the gym, working out alongside students, and wearing shirts featuring Scripture verses, he creates opportunities for meaningful conversations. Young people who might never approach a priest in a parish setting often feel comfortable asking questions in the gym. Those conversations frequently lead to deeper discussions about faith, prayer, and the sacraments. One example involved a football player who felt drawn to the Holy Eucharist. Before games, Fr. Capo gathers the team outside the chapel for prayer and a brief reflection on Scripture. With the chapel doors open and the Blessed Sacrament present, players often feel drawn to pray before stepping out onto the field. For this young athlete, witnessing teammates pray before the Eucharist sparked a journey that is now leading him into full communion with the Church. Fr. Capo reminded listeners that young people are not indifferent to God. They are searching, and many are simply waiting for someone to invite them closer to Christ. By boldly witnessing wherever we are, whether in a gym, a workplace, or a neighborhood, Catholics can become instruments through which others encounter the Lord. 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.
• A Medical Miracle Answered Through Prayer (Family Rosary Across America) 18.06.2026 1min

  The Family Rosary Across America community rejoiced this week as longtime caller Letty returned with an inspiring update about her brother’s life-threatening surgery. Just days earlier, listeners had joined Father Rocky in fervent prayer for Letty’s brother, who was facing a difficult operation to remove a tumor. The situation was serious, and the Relevant Radio family united in faith, entrusting his care to the Lord through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother. When Letty called back, her voice overflowed with gratitude and joy. She shared that the surgery was an extraordinary success. Doctors were able to remove the tumor completely in an operation lasting about eight hours. Even more remarkable, her brother was up and walking the very next day. According to his surgeon, nearly all patients undergoing such a procedure typically require two to three weeks to reach that stage of recovery. Although Letty acknowledged that her brother still faces challenges ahead, she described the outcome as nothing short of miraculous. She thanked the Relevant Radio family for accompanying her through the ordeal with prayer and support. “We are all witnessing a miracle,” she said, expressing her desire to embrace everyone who had prayed alongside her. Father Rocky shared in the joy, recalling how the program had made a special effort to squeeze in one final Hail Mary for Letty’s intention before the surgery. The moment became a beautiful testimony to the power of persistent prayer and Christian hope. This story is a moving reminder that when Catholics come together in faith, God often grants graces beyond what we can imagine. While every healing unfolds according to His perfect will, moments like these encourage us to trust deeply in His providence and never underestimate the power of 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.
• A Family’s Prayer for Healing (Family Rosary Across America) 11.06.2026 1min

  On the Family Rosary Across America, Laura called in to share a difficult update about her daughter, Jessica. After previously submitting a prayer intention during the Walk to Mary, Laura had hoped to offer a praise report. Instead, she received news that same day that Jessica had been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a slow-growing form of cancer. With the weight of the diagnosis still fresh, Laura turned to the Relevant Radio family for prayer. “We would love a miracle if it's God's will,” she said, asking for prayers not only for Jessica’s healing, but also for Jessica’s 7-year-old daughter, Evelyn, who is facing the uncertainty that comes with a loved one’s illness. Fr. Rocky immediately assured Laura that she would not carry this burden alone. “We're going to pray for complete and speedy recovery for your daughter,” he said. In moments of fear and suffering, families often discover the strength of a praying community. Laura’s call was a powerful reminder that no intention is too heavy to bring before the Lord and that hope remains alive when we place our trust in Him. 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.
• The Journey from Wall Street Finance to Catholic Media (The Tim Glemkoswki Show) 11.06.2026 6min

  What does it take to leave a successful career in finance and step into Catholic media? For Mark Swartzberg, the answer begins with a desire to help people see the truth. Joining The Tim Glemkowski Show, Mark shared with Tim his reflections on the years he spent as a Wall Street analyst, including one memorable stock call that put him at odds with legendary investor Warren Buffett. After carefully researching changes in the beer industry, Mark downgraded a major company’s stock despite widespread confidence in its future. When the stock later fell significantly, his analysis proved correct. But while Mark enjoyed success in finance, something deeper was stirring. “I always had a passion for helping people see things as they are,” he explained, recalling his earlier work as a high school math teacher. That passion eventually led him to Relevant Radio. After years as a listener, Mark received an unexpected suggestion: Have you ever considered being a talk show host? The idea resonated. As an analyst, he had spent years communicating ideas and defending what he believed to be true. Now, he saw an opportunity to use those gifts in service of something even greater. “The story of hope is just a story that's intrinsic to us as humans,” Mark said. What excites him most about his new role as the host of The Mark Swartzberg Show is hearing from listeners and giving them a chance to share their stories of faith, perseverance, and God's grace at work in their lives. As he begins this new chapter, Mark's journey is a reminder that God often uses our experiences, talents, and even unexpected opportunities to lead us exactly where He wants us to be. 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.
• Speaking the Truth With Love After Abortion (The Patrick Madrid Show) 11.06.2026 6min

  When a Delaware caller named Jennifer called in to The Patrick Madrid Show, her heart was heavy. Her 25-year-old niece – and goddaughter – had recently gotten an abortion. Now Jennifer was wrestling with a difficult question: How do you speak to someone you love after such a tragic decision? Patrick acknowledged both the gravity of the situation and Jennifer’s unique role in her niece’s life. As a godmother and aunt, she is in a position to offer something her niece desperately needs: truth spoken with love. Patrick encouraged Jennifer to pray first, asking God for the right words at the right time. He reminded her that while abortion is a grave sin, God’s mercy is always greater than our failures. “You’re not there to judge her,” Patrick explained. “But you can lovingly tell her the truth.” Rather than lecturing, Patrick suggested asking gentle but meaningful questions: Is she ready to seek forgiveness? Does she want to be reconciled with God? Those questions may linger in the heart long after the conversation ends. Patrick also pointed to the parable of the Prodigal Son. Just as the father waited patiently for his son to return home, God waits for every repentant sinner with open arms. No one is beyond His mercy. The conversation served as a powerful reminder that authentic love never abandons the truth. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is accompany someone through their darkest moment while helping them see the path back to God. 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.
• The Little Things Matter (The Drew Mariani Show) 11.06.2026 7min

  When marriages begin to struggle, many people assume there must have been a dramatic event: an affair, a financial crisis, or a major betrayal. But according to licensed marriage and family therapist Doug Hinderer, most marriages don't collapse all at once. They weaken slowly, often through years of emotional distance and missed opportunities for connection. Joining Drew on The Drew Mariani Show, Doug reflected on a heartbreaking call from a man whose wife of 32 years suddenly wanted out of the marriage. While every situation is unique, Doug noted that many couples gradually lose sight of one another while managing careers, raising children, paying bills, and navigating life's endless responsibilities. "The marriage starts dying long before it actually dies," Doug said. Drawing on the research of Dr. John Gottman, Doug explained that thriving couples consistently respond to one another's small bids for connection. A shared laugh, a thoughtful question, or a simple act of kindness can strengthen a relationship over time. Ignoring those moments, however, can leave spouses feeling like strangers living under the same roof. A divorce attorney once asked a woman when she knew her marriage was over. Her answer surprised him: "It was the granola." For years, her husband would quietly replace her favorite specialty-store granola whenever it ran low. One day he stopped, and it never returned. To her, that small gesture revealed that his heart had drifted elsewhere. "The little things are really big," Doug said. For couples hoping to reconnect, Doug emphasized the importance of staying close to God through regular confession and remaining in a state of grace. He also reminded listeners that conflict itself is not the enemy. Research shows that many marital disagreements are ongoing and never fully resolved. The real danger comes from avoiding difficult conversations altogether. Healthy marriages aren't built on grand romantic gestures. They're built on daily acts of love: a thank you, a thoughtful favor, a listening ear, or even a bag of M&M's picked up at the grocery store. Because in marriage, it's often the little things that tell the biggest story. 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.
• God Never Gives Up on You (The Inner Life) 11.06.2026 6min

  Have you ever wondered whether your past sins have put you beyond God's mercy? On The Inner Life, a caller named Rob shared a moving story. Raised in a deeply faithful family, he drifted away from God later in life and spent years trapped in serious sin. Now nearly 80, Rob has returned to the Church, attends daily Mass, and strives to live faithfully. Yet he still struggles with sadness and he questions whether he is truly on the right path. Fr. John Eckert pointed him to one of Scripture's most hopeful passages: Luke 15. In the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, heaven rejoices whenever someone returns to God. The focus is not on the wandering. It is on the celebration that follows. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance." (Luke 15:4-7) "The fact of the matter here is, Rob, you came back." Fr. Eckert reminded him that God's mercy is greater than any past failure. The Lord has already lifted him up and welcomed him home. Rather than remaining trapped in regret, Rob is called to live fully in the present, grateful for the gift of reconciliation and the grace found in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Drawing from The Screwtape Letters, Fr. Eckert noted that the enemy wants us stuck in the past through shame or worried about the future through fear. God meets us in the present moment. For anyone burdened by old sins, Rob's story offers a powerful reminder: if you have returned to the Lord, rejoice. His mercy is real, His forgiveness is complete, and His Sacred Heart remains open to all who come home. 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.
• Come as You Are, and We’ll Get There Together (The Mark Swartzberg Show) 11.06.2026 12min

  For generations, the Salesian family has helped young people discover that holiness begins with being known, loved, and accompanied. Joining The Mark Swartzberg Show, Sister Bernadette Mota of the Salesian Sisters spoke with Mark about the enduring wisdom of St. John Bosco, whose mission was to guide young people toward Christ through authentic relationships. She summarized the Salesian spirit in a simple phrase: “Come as you are, and we’ll get there together.” That approach is rooted in what Salesians call the preventive system: reason, religion, and loving kindness. Through reason, young people learn to think critically and become responsible citizens. Through religion, they encounter Christ and grow in faith. Through loving kindness, they experience the truth that people respond best when they know they are loved. At St. John Bosco School in San Antonio, Texas, the Salesian Sisters serve children from infancy through eighth grade, particularly in a community with significant economic challenges. Their goal is not simply academic success, but the formation of the whole person. Sister Bernadette also shared her own vocation story. While trying to avoid a call to religious life, she unexpectedly spent a year with the Salesian Sisters. Their welcoming spirit changed everything. “I just got to be who I was,” she said. “They took me where I was and accompanied me to where God was calling me to.” That same spirit continues to shape Salesian schools and ministries around the world. By creating places that are a church, a home, a school, and a playground, they help young people encounter the love of Christ and discover the path to holiness. 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.
• The Virtues That Build Strong Families and Strong Souls (Marriage Unhindered) 10.06.2026 15min

  What qualities help children grow into faithful, resilient, and virtuous adults? On Marriage Unhindered, Father Carter Griffin, rector of St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, D.C., joined Doug Hinderer to discuss four foundational virtues parents should focus on: order, sincerity, chastity, and fortitude. Father Griffin explained that order is much more than keeping a tidy room. Learning to manage time, responsibilities, and daily habits creates the foundation for prayer, discipline, and personal growth. Even simple practices, like making a bed each morning, can help cultivate the self-mastery needed for larger challenges in life. He also emphasized the importance of sincerity, calling it the key that unlocks all formation. Children are far more likely to grow in virtue when they know they can tell their parents the truth without fear. Parents who respond calmly and lovingly create an atmosphere where honesty can flourish. The conversation then turned to chastity. Father Griffin noted that modern culture often portrays chastity as restrictive, when in reality it frees people to love authentically. He encouraged parents to make discussions about purity and respect natural and ongoing rather than relying on one difficult conversation. Finally, Father Griffin highlighted fortitude: the courage to endure hardship and persevere through setbacks. While parents naturally want to protect their children from suffering, he cautioned that overprotection can hinder growth. Children need opportunities to struggle, fail, learn, and develop resilience. Throughout the discussion, both Doug and Father Griffin stressed that correction and discipline are acts of love when rooted in a larger vision for a child's future. As Father Griffin observed, parents should help their children see not only what they did wrong, but also the kind of man or woman God is calling them to become. 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.
• The Light of Christ Still Shining Strong in Gaza (Trending with Timmerie) 10.06.2026 19min

  For nearly three years, Holy Family Parish in Gaza has stood as a refuge amid war, fear, and uncertainty. On Trending with Timmerie, historian and author Kristen Theriault shared the remarkable story of Father Gabriel Romanelli and the small Christian community that continues to persevere in one of the world's most difficult places. Christians make up less than one percent of Gaza’s population, yet many families have chosen to remain in the land where their ancestors have lived for centuries. Father Romanelli explains that their presence is rooted in something deeper than geography: the Eucharist. “Each day during Mass, we renew the presence of Christ in the very heart of this abyss,” he writes. Holy Family Parish has become both a spiritual home and a humanitarian shelter. Hundreds of refugees, including Muslim families, have sought safety within its walls. Priests, religious sisters, and volunteers work tirelessly to provide food, water, medical assistance, and the sacraments despite severe shortages and ongoing danger. The conditions are often heartbreaking. Families crowd into classrooms, supplies are scarce, and violence remains a constant threat. Yet Father Romanelli continually encourages his people to choose forgiveness, hope, and even humor amid suffering. His witness reminds us that holiness is not found in comfort but in faithful endurance. Perhaps the most moving lesson from Gaza is the trust many place in Christ. When conflict erupts, people instinctively run to the church, believing they will find both spiritual and human support there. In the midst of darkness, Holy Family Parish continues to shine as a beacon of charity, courage, and faith. 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.
• A Birthday Blessing Over the Airwaves (Family Rosary Across America) 27.05.2026 1min

  During the Family Rosary Across America, George from Rancho Cucamonga, California, called in with heartfelt prayer intentions for his wife, his three sons, and especially for his son Johan, who had just turned 16. When Fr. Rocky learned Johan was listening, he smiled. “We’re going to give him a special treat,” Fr. Rocky said before inviting Maggie to sing “Happy Birthday” live on the air. What followed was simple, warm, and unforgettable: “Happy birthday to youHappy birthday to youHappy birthday, dear Johan who’s 16Happy birthday to you." Moments like these remind us that prayer is deeply personal. The Rosary unites families not only in times of suffering or worry, but also in gratitude, joy, and celebration. Even over the radio, the Relevant Radio family becomes a place where birthdays are remembered, prayers are lifted up, and hearts are connected through faith. For Johan and his family, this small moment became a beautiful reminder that God works through community, kindness, and the power of prayer. 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.
• Learning to Love Like Christ (Father Simon Says) 27.05.2026 4min

  Few moments in Scripture are as personal and piercing as Jesus’ conversation with Peter after the Resurrection. On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon reflected on John 21 and the three times Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love Me?” Peter, who had denied Christ three times before the Crucifixion, now stands before the risen Lord by the sea. Fr. Simon explains that the exchange carries a deeper meaning in the original Greek. Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him with agape — sacrificial, divine love. Peter responds instead with philia — brotherly affection. Again and again, Jesus asks. Again and again, Peter admits the limits of his love. Finally, Jesus lowers the question: “So you love Me like a brother?” Fr. Simon calls this “the first confession of the first pope.” Peter does not pretend to love perfectly. He simply offers the love he has. Yet Jesus still entrusts him with the mission to lead the Church. That is the hope of the Gospel. Christ does not wait for perfect people before calling them. Instead, He teaches us to grow in holiness through trust, surrender, and perseverance. Fr. Simon points to Jesus’ final words to Peter: “Follow Me.” Though Peter’s love was imperfect, Christ promised he would one day learn to love more deeply, even to the point of sacrifice. The same invitation is extended to every Christian. God receives our imperfect love and patiently transforms it into something greater. 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.