Patrick explores questions about suffering, penance, the meaning of purgatory, and the challenges faced by those seeking a deeper spiritual life amid daily hardships. Listeners from all walks of life reach out with gratitude, curiosity, and sometimes confusion, while Patrick responds with warmth, encouragement, and clear, compassionate explanations grounded in Catholic tradition.

• Eliot (email) – Should we all be doing what the Apostles did? Should we all be fasting all the time (or at least very often)? Should we all be going out of our way to be physically uncomfortable?
• Antinia – What Catholic books can you recommend to me about St. Paul? (04:41)
• Angie (email) – At Mass the priest gave general absolution to everyone present. Is that valid, and does it let some Catholics skip regular confession while still receiving Communion? (14:13)
• Miles (email) – Pope Leo XIV voting as a US citizen is a non-issue unless he becomes a dual citizen with the Vatican. I think the US should ban dual citizenship after 11 months and bar dual citizens from voting or holding public office. What’s your opinion?
• Christine – I am a Protestant wanting to convert. Why is Purgatory necessary if Jesus died for all of our sins? (23:02)
• Arlene – Why is it that the Supreme Court is taking up cases on capital punishment yet not taking up cases for drugs affecting late term abortions? (34:03)
• Monica – I want to get married. How long should one wait for boyfriend to propose marriage?

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