Homilies from the National Shrine

The Marian Fathers
  • 4.9 (125)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

These difficult times demand that we turn back to the beautiful mystery of who God is and what it means to be His cherished children. Listen in to the daily homilies from the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, including Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Kaz Chwalek, and many more. May they help you to live by God’s will that you may play an active and effective role in a world whose wellbeing requires authentic Christian witness!

  1. May 27

    What the Church Says About A.I. - Fr. Chris Alar | 5/27/26

    The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/reading... In today’s homily, Fr. Chris Alar, speaks about the moral and spiritual dangers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how Catholics must respond with wisdom, courage, and fidelity to the truth. As Pope Leo XIII once addressed the crisis caused by the Industrial Revolution with his landmark encyclical letter Rerum Novarum, Pope Leo XIV now warns that the age of Artificial Intelligence must be guided by the protection of human dignity. Technology must serve the human person, not reduce us to data, consumers, or objects of control. Read the First Encyclical Letter of His Holiness Leo XIV Magnifica Humanitas: https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xi... ★ Support this podcast ★

    20 min

  2. May 27

    The Memorial of St. Philip Neri, the Joyful Saint of Rome - Fr. Anthony Gramlich | 5/26/26

    The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052626.cfm In today’s homily, Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC reflected on the beautiful and joyful witness of St. Philip Neri, a saint who did not take himself too seriously because his heart was completely focused on God. St. Philip Neri would wear large shoes, put his clothes on inside out, and even shave only one side of his beard. He did these things so people would have a humble opinion of him. He did not want to be praised, exalted, or admired. He wanted to become small so Christ could be great in him. Even during the Oratory, surrounded by people of importance, he was willing to look foolish in the eyes of the world. Why? Because he understood that humility is the first virtue we need to practice. Fr. Anthony repeated this powerful message many times: “Be a fool for Christ.” St. Philip Neri was full of joy, full of compassion, and full of love for God and neighbor. He prayed for the fire of the Holy Spirit to come, the fire of divine love that transforms hearts. Today, St. Philip reminds us: Don’t put yourself first. Don’t exalt yourself. Don’t worry so much about being criticized. Make yourself small. Be joyful.Be humble. Be a fool for Christ. St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy and laughter, pray for us! ★ Support this podcast ★

    22 min

  3. May 26

    Mary, Mother of the Church & Honoring Memorial Day - Fr. Chris Alar | 5/25/26

    Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, a beautiful reminder that Mary is the Mother who leads us always to her Son. Jesus came into the world through her hands, and in the same way, we are invited to entrust ourselves, our families, our country, and our future to her maternal care. In this Memorial Day homily, Fr. Chris Alar, connects this Marian trust with the meaning of sacrifice, freedom, faith, and eternal salvation.As we remember the soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom and safety of our country, Fr. Chris reminds us that true freedom must never be separated from God. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice did not place personal safety above the defense of what is true, noble, and worth protecting. Fr. Chris also offers a powerful warning for our times: when fear or the promise of “personal safety” leads society to surrender its God-given freedoms, especially the freedom to worship. Christians must remain awake and faithful. We must never allow our churches to be closed or our faith to be silenced in the name of fear. As Catholics and citizens, we are called to reflect seriously on our responsibility to protect religious freedom, to honor the Christian values upon which this nation was founded, and to remember those who fought to defend them. On this day, we turn first to Mary, Mother of the Church, asking her to lead us to Jesus. We honor the flag, we remember the fallen, we entrust their souls to Mary’s hands, and above all, we kneel before Jesus Christ in the Eucharist; the source of our eternal life. May we never trade eternal salvation for temporary security, and may Our Lady, Mother of the Church, guide our nation back to her Son. ★ Support this podcast ★

    17 min

  4. May 26

    The Two Pentecosts: Private Grace and Public Mission - Fr. Chris Alar | 5/24/26

    The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052426-Day In today’s homily, Fr. Chris Alar, explains the meaning of Pentecost and the two moments when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit.In John 20, Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, giving them grace for personal sanctification and the forgiveness of sins. In Acts 2, fifty days after the Resurrection, the Holy Spirit descends publicly upon the 120 gathered in the Upper Room, launching the Church’s mission to the world. These two Pentecost moments are not contradictory — they reveal different manifestations of the same Holy Spirit: personal, sacramental, communal, and missionary. ★ Support this podcast ★

    20 min

  5. May 26

    Judas and the Eucharist: A Warning for Our Times - Fr. David Gunter | 5/23/26

    Father David Gunter, MIC, explains that the Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper and taught throughout Scripture as the Bread of Life. He poses a challenging question about “modern Judas,” not to condemn particular people, but as a spiritual warning: those who reject or refuse to believe in Christ’s true presence in the Eucharist risk following the same path of unbelief that preceded Judas’ betrayal. The message is an invitation to examine one’s own faith and to pray for a deeper belief in Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. ★ Support this podcast ★

    10 min

  6. May 26

    Summary of St. Rita - One of the Best Patron Saints You Can Get - Fr. Chris Alar | 5/22/26

    The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/reading... Father Chris Alar, MIC, shares the incredible story of St. Rita of Cascia, the beloved “Patron Saint of the Impossible.” From the signs surrounding her birth to her difficult marriage, deep sacrifices, miraculous roses, devotion to Christ’s Passion, and incorrupt body after death, St. Rita reveals the power of faith, perseverance, forgiveness, and surrender to God. Known as a protector in impossible situations and patroness of difficult marriages, St. Rita reminds us that no suffering is wasted when united to Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

    20 min

  7. May 26

    Why Don't We Hear About this Prayer at the Last Supper? - Fr. Chris Alar | 5/21/26

    The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/reading... Father Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on John 17, the high priestly prayer of Jesus, the longest prayer of Christ on earth and one of the greatest chapters in Scripture. At the Last Supper, Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and the whole Church, consecrating Himself as the Victim who will offer everything on the Cross. In this prayer, He reveals the love of the Trinity, the mystery of the Eucharist, the priesthood, salvation, sanctification, and our call to intimacy with God. ★ Support this podcast ★

    14 min

  8. May 26

    Consecrated in Truth: Jesus’ Prayer for Our Holiness - Fr. Mark Baron | 5/20/26

    The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/reading... Father Mark Baron, MIC, reflects on John 17:11b-19, where Jesus prays that His disciples may be consecrated in truth. To be consecrated means to be made holy — set apart for God’s will. Through Baptism, Christ gives us a supernatural life and calls us to respond with our own “yes” to the Father, living in love, truth, and surrender to the Word of God. ★ Support this podcast ★

    18 min
See All (1.8K)

4.9
out of 5
125 Ratings

About

These difficult times demand that we turn back to the beautiful mystery of who God is and what it means to be His cherished children. Listen in to the daily homilies from the Marian Fathers at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, including Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Kaz Chwalek, and many more. May they help you to live by God’s will that you may play an active and effective role in a world whose wellbeing requires authentic Christian witness!

Information

More From The Marian Fathers

You Might Also Like