In Podcasts, The Inner Life

Mary Mother of the Church – The Inner Life – June 9, 2025

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Fr. Dave Heney joins Patrick to discuss Mary Mother of the Church

  • When did the Church Give Mary the title Mother of the Church?
  • (9:44) what is Mary’s role as Mother of the Church?
  • (16:40) Nora – When I was taking care of my mom in hospice. I grew up protestant and wasn’t introduced to her until my teens. At that time, I really came to understand her power and her healing. We were praying the rosary when she passed. The feeling of the presence was so comforting.

(20:24) Break 1

  • Carl – Rosary on the 7 sorrows of Mary. Wanted to get some clarification on the Rosary. The origin of the 7 sorrows Rosary and how it came to be and tied with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
  • (26:13) Maritza – 2016, My mom passed away. 2017 my dad passed away. I buried my mom on Dec 8, 2016, and Dad on Dec 8, 2017. I started receiving Rosaries from all over the world. I didn’t understand what it meant. Finally, I understood, Mary wanted me to start praying the Rosary. She walked me to Jesus. I’m now more active in church.
  • (39:19) What is the importance of the first time Mary speaks?
  • Heidi – She helped us get our house. Helped me get my CPA. There’s been so many things Mary has helped me with and she’s been wonderful to us.

(39:19) Break 2

  • Mike – Went to the altar at my mom’s funeral during the singing of Ave Maria. Bouquet of flowers and offered prayers during the singing of that song. We were offering prayers of thanksgiving.
  • (45:16) Catherine – Mary has come into my life in so many ways: I met my husband at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. I had a bad situation and ended up getting a job at Our Lady of Assumption School. Daughter was born on Feast of Immaculate Conception. House hit by tornado…brought statue into house before that and we were right by the statue in the basement.
  • Abby – Cradle catholic, Catholic Schools, etc, but very mechanical faith and not really feeling it. Not going to confession for 17 years. After my son’s confirmation, I was moved to go to confession and the flood gates opened in my heart. She called me back the week my parish asked me to become more involved.

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Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.