Helping Every Child Flourish (The Mark Swartzberg Show)

Patriotism Is More Than Waving a Flag (The Drew Mariani Show)

What does it really mean to love your country? On The Drew Mariani Show, Drew Mariani and Dr. Matthew Bunson explored the difference between authentic patriotism and the misconceptions that often surround it. As America prepares to mark 250 years of independence, they reflected on a virtue that is becoming increasingly misunderstood. Dr. Bunson explained that patriotism is not about ignoring a nation's failures or pretending history is flawless. Every country has shortcomings, and the United States is no exception. True patriotism, however, is rooted in gratitude for the good while remaining committed to pursuing what is right. The conversation also examined the foundations of the American experiment. Dr. Bunson pointed to the Declaration of Independence's affirmation that our rights are "endowed by our Creator," noting that the nation's founders understood human dignity as something given by God, not by government. Drew reminded listeners that the Catholic Church has long recognized love of country as part of the Fourth Commandment. Patriotism, then, is not merely an emotional attachment or a celebration reserved for the Fourth of July. It is a virtue that calls citizens to seek the common good, respect just laws, and work to strengthen their communities. Loving your country doesn't require believing it is perfect. It means caring enough to preserve what is good, address what is broken, and help future generations inherit a nation worthy of their sacrifice. ---------------------------------------- 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 [https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/].

United in Prayer (Family Rosary Across America)

The Family Rosary Across America reminds us that no one carries life's burdens alone. Every night, listeners from across the country bring their joys and sorrows before God, trusting in the power of prayer. This past week, Susie from Boston called with a heartfelt request. Her brother, Steve, was preparing to undergo brain surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Florida after receiving a diagnosis of stage four metastatic melanoma. Knowing the strength of the Relevant Radio family, she asked for one simple gift: prayer. "I said to Stevie... 'I'm going to have the whole country praying for you,'" Susie shared. Fr. Rocky assured her that Steve's intention would be lifted up by listeners across the nation through the many platforms of Relevant Radio. What began as one sister's plea quickly became the prayer of an entire family united in faith and hope. Moments like these reveal the beauty of the Rosary. Even when circumstances seem overwhelming, Catholics can confidently entrust their loved ones to Jesus through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, knowing that no prayer is ever wasted. ---------------------------------------- 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 [https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/].

Pursuing Purity One Choice at a Time (The Inner Life)

Purity of heart is a lifelong pursuit, and no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. On The Inner Life, Fr. John LoCoco reminds listeners that growth in chastity begins with a life rooted in prayer and strengthened by the sacraments. He encourages practical habits that help guard the heart: being intentional about media consumption, using accountability, going to confession regularly, and receiving the Eucharist frequently. These simple but faithful practices help us grow in freedom and charity. Fr. LoCoco also points to the example of the saints, who did not negotiate with temptation. They fled from it. Recalling Joseph's escape from Potiphar's wife, he said, "Leave the cloak, run away." Rather than testing our limits, Christians are called to remove themselves from occasions of sin with conviction and trust in God's grace. Choosing to turn away from temptation is not about fear but about freedom. Every decision to pursue holiness draws us closer to Christ and strengthens our ability to live with purity of heart. ---------------------------------------- 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 [https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/].

Suicide Is Never the Answer (The Patrick Madrid Show)

NOTE: This article and segment contains a conversation about suicide and may be difficult for some readers. When Andrew called The Patrick Madrid Show, he asked a heartbreaking question: If someone attempts suicide, can they still go to Heaven? Before addressing the theology, Patrick Madrid focused on something even more important: Andrew's life. He reminded him that every person is created by God, loved by God, and has immeasurable dignity. "Your life is a gift," Patrick said. "God created you because He loves you." Patrick explained that suicide is objectively a grave sin because it intentionally takes an innocent human life. At the same time, he carefully noted that only God knows the state of a person's soul. Mental illness, fear, or other serious circumstances can lessen a person's moral responsibility, which is why Catholics always entrust such souls to God's infinite mercy. Rather than leaving Andrew with fear, Patrick urged him toward hope. He encouraged him to reject thoughts of suicide, continue accepting help from those caring for him, and remember that suicide is never the solution. It just creates more pain and suffering. Before ending the call, Patrick also encouraged Andrew to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline again, reminding him that people are ready to listen and help. ---------------------------------------- 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 [https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/].

What Soccer Taught One Catholic About Holiness (The Tim Glemkowski Show)

Elite athletics demand discipline, sacrifice, and consistency. As former soccer player Steven Duran explained on The Tim Glemkowski Show, those same qualities became the foundation of a life of faith. As a young soccer player competing at the highest levels in the United States, Duran was often one of the few practicing Catholics on his team. Going to Sunday Mass sometimes meant arriving late to training, and his faith naturally sparked questions from teammates. While those conversations could be challenging, they also became opportunities to witness to Christ through the way he lived. Looking back, Duran says that playing sports at an elite level taught him both about how to compete and, more importantly, how to be consistent. "You have to show up every day," he explained. "Don't let your highs be too high and your lows be too low. Focus on consistency and bring your best every single day." He sees the same principle in the spiritual life. Jesus calls His disciples to "pray unceasingly," but that lifelong habit begins by faithfully showing up in prayer each day. Just as an athlete trains consistently before game day, Christians grow in holiness through daily fidelity to God. Whether on the soccer field or in the quiet of prayer, excellence isn't built in dramatic moments but through steady perseverance. By consistently bringing our whole selves to the Lord, we create space for Him to transform us and strengthen us for whatever lies ahead. ---------------------------------------- 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 [https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/].