Alexandra Greeley A convert to Catholicism, Alexandra Greeley is a food writer, restaurant critic, and cookbook author, who is passionate about every aspect of the food world — from interviewing chefs to supporting local farmers and making the connection between food and faith.
With deep roots in faith and family, the founder of NovaMedia brings Catholic stories to life — and still makes time for huevos rancheros.
Food has always been a big deal for Patrick Novecosky, a Virginia-based author, speaker, publicist, and lifelong Catholic.
Patrick is the second of nine children raised on a farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. He vividly recalls working with his siblings to tend the family’s chickens and cows, and the family’s large gardens. “We always knew where our food came from because we helped grow it,” he said.
Catholicism has profoundly shaped his life.
“As a young man, I tried to see life through a Catholic lens,” he recalls. “In my mid-20s, I became more fascinated with Catholicism and Pope John Paul II. He had a profound impact on my life. As I grew in my faith, I fell in love with the Church and with Christ because of his influence.”
After college, a job with a Catholic magazine in Southern California drew him south. He was ready for adventure.
“My mom knew I wanted to go off to see the world, and she encouraged me to go,” he said. “God opened the door, and I happily stepped through that door.”
After a short time in California, Patrick moved to Massachusetts to work for the Marian Fathers at the Marian Helper Center and National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.
Within a year, he was in Rome for his first meeting with Pope St. John Paul II, who had asked the Marians to lead the re-evangelization of Eastern Europe after the fall of communism.
“During those years, I met the Pope five times and traveled extensively,” he said. “It was an exciting time for the Church — and for me. My family’s roots are in Eastern Europe, so I was excited to learn more about their culture, traditions, and food.”
Patrick moved on from his role with the Marians, got married, and raised five children with his wife, Michele, whom he says is one of the best cooks he’s ever known.
When John Paul’s 100th birthday rolled around in 2020, Patrick wrote his first book, 100 Ways John Paul II Changed the World.
“I am convinced he was such an exceptional pope because of his depth of prayer; the time he spent with Jesus shaped him. He spent more time with Jesus before the tabernacle than with anyone else in his life.”
Patrick has devoted his life to celebrating his faith and broadly communicating Catholicism to the world through his company, NovaMedia (catholicpublicist.com). Founded in 2016, he and his team of experts help Catholic companies with their branding, public relations, and communications.
Also a distinguished writer, Patrick has been published in five languages and has written for the National Catholic Register and many other publications.
And as such a busy man, does Patrick ever have time to cook? He says his wife does most of the home cooking, but he does have his own favorite hearty breakfast recipe:
Huevos Rancheros
Serves 2
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 pound of ground sausage
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup salsa ranchera
- 4 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fry the sausage and season to taste. Patrick suggests adding red pepper flakes. When it’s almost cooked through, add the black beans. Cook until the beans are heated thoroughly.
Next, fry the tortillas in a small amount of beef tallow or oil until crispy and lightly golden brown.
Spread the sausage/bean mixture on the tortillas, followed by the salsa. Cook the eggs as desired and place them on top of the tortillas. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Option: Top with your favorite taco-style toppings, such as sour cream, cheese, avocado, etc. Patrick suggests feta cheese as his go-to topping.