Homilies from the National Shrine

The Marian Fathers
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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. 15H AGO

    Your True Calling: To Be a Saint - Fr. Matthew Tomeny | 11/1/25

    Happy All Saints Day! As Fr. Matthew reminds us, today we celebrate all the saints — not just those canonized and known to the Church, but also the hidden saints known only to God. These are the souls who lived their lives faithfully, quietly, and heroically, fulfilling the will of God in the ordinary duties of their daily lives. This feast is meant to be your feast day too. God desires every one of us to become a saint, to be counted among the Church Triumphant in Heaven. The Church’s liturgical calendar these three days — All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints, and All Souls — beautifully unites the three parts of the Church: the Church Triumphant (Heaven), the Church Suffering (Purgatory), and the Church Militant (Earth). Together, we form the one Body of Christ, called to live in holiness and communion. As Fr. Matthew explains, Scripture and Tradition tell us that the saints in Heaven will one day complete the number of angels who fell from grace. When that number is filled, Christ will come again, and the world will be renewed in glory. But sainthood doesn’t come through extraordinary deeds alone. Fr. Matthew points us to abandonment to divine providence: sanctity can be reduced to one simple practice — fidelity to the duties God has appointed to you. “Thy will be done” isn’t just a prayer — it’s a daily way of life. Whether through marriage, priesthood, religious life, or single vocation, holiness comes through doing God’s will with love, perseverance, and surrender. As St. John saw in Revelation, the saints are marked with the seal of God on their foreheads — a seal first received in Baptism. To remain faithful to that seal means living out our baptismal promises with purity and love, so that our white garments may remain spotless when we stand before God. Remember, sainthood is not reserved for a few — it’s your destiny if you cooperate with grace. Strive each day to purify your heart, grow in virtue, and surrender your will to God. As Fr. Matthew says, “Don’t delay becoming a saint.” Purgatory is for those who procrastinate holiness; Heaven is for those who say yes to God now. Watch more inspiring Daily Homilies like this and grow in faith at DivineMercyPlus.org and on the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus (DM+) app. Visit the link in bio for prayers, devotions, and Catholic resources to help you live out your call to holiness today. #frmatt #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #allsaintsday #communionofsaints #holiness #vocation #grace #heaven #purgatory #faith #virtue #jesus #catholictiktok ★ Support this podcast ★

    24 min

  2. 1D AGO

    The Eternal Investment Plan - Fr. Chris Alar | 11/7/25

    In today’s Gospel, Fr. Chris Alar reflects on what it truly means to be a faithful steward of the gifts God has entrusted to us. The steward in the Gospel, much like the prodigal son, squandered what was not his. But how often do we do the same? Our time, our treasure, and our talents—none of these belong to us. Everything we possess is a gift from God, and one day, we will give an account for how we used them. St. Ignatius of Loyola once said that if you only have time for one prayer a day, let it be an examination of conscience. Every evening, we should look at our words, thoughts, and deeds—have they honored God, or have we wasted His graces? Catholics are sometimes outdone in generosity by others, but Fr. Chris reminds us that our stewardship extends far beyond money. We are called to wisely use the spiritual graces received in Baptism, Confirmation, and the Sacraments to build up the Kingdom of God. Everything—our freedom, our relationships, even our suffering—can be invested for eternal gain. “To whom much is given, much is expected.” (Luke 12:48) God expects us to use His gifts for the salvation of souls, including the souls in Purgatory. When we pray for them, we make an eternal investment in the treasury of grace—a divine account from which both they and we can draw. As St. Faustina wrote, “Suffering is the greatest treasure on earth. It purifies the soul.” (Diary, 342) Fr. Chris and the Marian Fathers pray nightly for the deceased, especially during this first week of November, when the Church grants special indulgences for visiting cemeteries. When we pray for the dead, we gain spiritual riches that last forever—far more valuable than anything we could earn in this life. The world plans for retirement; the faithful plan for eternity. True wealth lies not in what we keep, but in what we give away for love of God and neighbor. Even when criticized or misunderstood, Fr. Chris calls us to persevere in charity. The mission of the Marian Fathers is to proclaim Divine Mercy to the world—to never stop teaching truth with love, even amid suffering or ridicule. Let us stand united as Marian Helpers, offering prayers, sacrifices, and mercy to build up that eternal treasury of grace. To deepen your understanding of the Sacraments and how they pour grace into our lives, get Understanding the Sacraments by Fr. Chris Alar at ShopMercy.org. And visit the link in our bio to learn more about praying the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet, or to request prayers from the Marian Fathers. #frchrisalar #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #stewardship #faith #purgatory #holysouls #eternallife #heaven #christianliving #jesus #mercy #holiness #salvation #hope #truth #prayer #catholictiktok ★ Support this podcast ★

    17 min

  3. 2D AGO

    The Sobering Reality of Judgment - Fr. Mark Baron | 11/6/25

    As the world focuses on elections and politics, Fr. Mark Baron reminds us that November calls Catholics to something far deeper — the Last Things: death, judgment, heaven, and hell. While political outcomes can stir hope or despair, Fr. Mark challenges us to shift our trust from men to God, who alone rules history and every soul. St. Paul writes, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom 14:10). Each of us will give an account of our lives — of every thought, word, and deed, both good and evil. In that moment, nothing will be hidden from the gaze of the Almighty. Saints like Isaiah and St. Faustina describe the awe of standing before the thrice-holy God — a moment not of mere fear, but of truth, justice, and mercy. This meditation is not meant to terrify us, but to awaken a holy fear that leads to repentance and renewed love for Christ. The Lord told St. Faustina, “When a soul realizes the gravity of its sins, let it not despair, but with trust let it throw itself into the arms of My mercy” (Diary, 1541). In this month dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Fr. Mark invites us to live with eternity in mind. Judgment is certain — but so is Divine Mercy for those who turn to Jesus. Let this sober truth inspire us to live for Heaven, not the fleeting victories of earth. Watch today’s Daily Homily with Fr. Mark Baron on Divine Mercy Plus and deepen your reflection on life, death, and the eternal mercy of God. #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #frmarkbaron #divinemercyplus #soulsinpurgatory #lastthings #catholichomily #catholictiktok #eternallife #divinemercydevotion #judgmentseatofgod #trustinjesus #heavenorhell ★ Support this podcast ★

    20 min

  4. 3D AGO

    Are We No Longer Able To Call Mary Co-Redemptrix or Co-Redeemer? - Fr. Chris Alar | 11/5/25

    Fr. Chris Alar addresses the recent doctrinal note Mater Populi Fidelis (“Mother of the Faithful”) released by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The document discusses Marian titles such as Co-Redemptrix and Co-Mediatrix, leading many to ask whether these titles may still be used. Fr. Chris explains that this note falls under the ordinary magisterium of the Church — meaning it is authoritative and deserves religious obedience, but it is not infallible. It does not define new dogma or forbid the use of these Marian titles. Instead, it advises caution when they are used in ways that might confuse the faithful or seem to diminish the unique and saving role of Jesus Christ. As Fr. Chris points out, several popes — including St. Pius X, Pius XI, and St. John Paul II — used the title Co-Redemptrix to describe Mary’s singular participation in her Son’s work of redemption. The Latin prefix co- (from cum, meaning “with,” not “equal to”) expresses that Mary cooperated with Christ in a subordinate and dependent way, never as His equal. Just as St. Paul called us “co-workers with God” (1 Cor 3:9), Mary’s “yes” made her the perfect collaborator in His saving plan. Fr. Chris also emphasizes that honoring Mary does not reduce our love or worship of Jesus. Just as loving another child does not divide a parent’s love, devotion to Mary actually deepens love for her Son. Mary leads us to Christ; she never replaces Him. Grace comes from God alone, through Christ, yet Mary intercedes as the one most united to His mission of mercy. The Church teaches that Jesus alone is the Redeemer and the sole Mediator between God and man (1 Tim 2:5). Mary’s participation is always subordinate — a reflection of Christ’s glory, not a rival to it. The new document cautions that when certain terms require constant clarification, they may be unhelpful in ordinary catechesis. However, it also explicitly states that their use is not forbidden if they are explained properly and understood in the light of the Church’s faith. Fr. Chris concludes that while the Marian Fathers will always remain obedient to the Magisterium, they will also continue to explain and defend the Church’s Marian tradition with clarity and fidelity. Properly understood, these titles honor Christ by acknowledging the full truth of how He chose to work through His Mother for our salvation. Watch this important reflection now on Divine Mercy Plus — the free, ad-free Catholic streaming platform dedicated to truth, formation, and the message of Divine Mercy. #frchrisalar #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #mary #blessedmother #coredeemer #coredemptrix #mediation #doctrinalnote #vatican #obedience #faith #truth #catholictiktok ★ Support this podcast ★

    17 min

  5. 4D AGO

    The Heart That Reformed the Church (St. Charles Borromeo) - Fr. Matthew Tomeny | 11/4/25

    St. Charles Borromeo is one of the greatest reformers in Church history — not through rebellion or innovation, but through holiness, humility, and total detachment from the world. Born into nobility and privilege, he could have lived in comfort, wealth, and ease. Instead, after the death of his brother, St. Charles turned his back on worldly attachments and consecrated his life entirely to God. He chose not the banquet halls of the rich, but the banquet of the Lamb. Ordained at 25 and made bishop soon after, St. Charles reformed clergy life and education, ensuring priests were trained to teach and sanctify the faithful with knowledge and zeal. His leadership at the Council of Trent helped shape the Roman Catechism and the very system of seminaries that still form priests today. He also established the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) to teach children the truths of the Faith — so that all might “know, love, and serve God.” But St. Charles’s reform did not stop in classrooms or cathedrals. During plague and famine, when civic leaders fled, he remained. He sold his possessions, fed thousands daily, and even gave up his bed for the sick, sleeping on the floor for the rest of his life. His heart — still venerated in Rome — became the symbol of a priest and shepherd who lived completely for God and His people. His secret? Meditation. He said, “Nothing is more necessary than meditation. We must meditate before, during, and after everything we do … in this way, all that you do becomes a work of love.” Whether in ministry, prayer, or recreation, he kept his intentions pure, doing all for the glory of God. St. Charles Borromeo reminds us that true reform begins not with power, but with purity — not by changing the world first, but by letting Christ change our hearts. May we, like him, renew the Church by renewing our love for God in every action, every thought, and every sacrifice. #frmattschneider #stcharlesborromeo #divinemercy #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #holiness #catholictiktok #faith #saints #reform #counciloftrent #catechism #ccd #seminary ★ Support this podcast ★

    14 min

  6. OCT 31

    Halloween; Good or Bad? - Fr. Chris Alar | 10/31/25

    As Fr. Chris Alar explains, the evening we now call Halloween began not as a pagan ritual, but as a sacred Christian vigil—All Hallows’ Eve, the holy night before the solemnity of All Saints’ Day. This feast, instituted in the 700s, has always been a time to honor the saints and pray for the faithful departed. The Church’s ancient practice of vigils reflected the truth that holy days begin at sundown, anticipating the joy of what is to come. Many claim Halloween is rooted in paganism, yet history says otherwise. Popes Gregory III and IV, who established the feast and its vigil, had no knowledge of the Celtic festival of Samhain. While certain customs like bonfires, costumes, and carved lanterns existed in pagan Europe, their Christian meaning transformed them: light overcoming darkness, prayers for the dead, and the triumph of holiness over sin. As with the Christmas tree, these cultural remnants were baptized—not banned—by the Church. Our Catholic ancestors saw All Hallows’ Eve as a time to remember that life on earth is fleeting and that Heaven, Purgatory, and Hell are real. The “veil” between the visible and invisible was thought to thin, reminding us of the souls who need our prayers. Even “trick or treating” began as the holy custom of souling—children receiving soul cakes in exchange for praying for the dead. The jack-o’-lantern, too, once symbolized the light of Christ and the souls awaiting redemption. Halloween became distorted after the Reformation, when anti-Catholic sentiment labeled the feast “pagan.” Puritans even outlawed it in early America, erasing its sacred meaning. But the Church has never ceased to teach that this vigil belongs to Christ. It is not a night to glorify evil, witchcraft, or fear—but a night to honor the saints, pray for the departed, and rejoice in God’s victory over death. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). May this Holy Eve draw us closer to the Communion of Saints and remind us that holiness conquers darkness. Learn more about the truth behind Catholic tradition in Fr. Chris Alar’s book Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org. #frchrisalar #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #catholictiktok #halloween #allhallowseve #allsaintsday #purgatory #holiness #faith #history #churchtradition #christianheritage ★ Support this podcast ★

    17 min

  7. OCT 30

    October 30, 2025 - Fr. Tyler Mentzer, MIC

    Homilies from the National Shrine

    22 min

  8. OCT 29

    October 29, 2025 - Fr. Chris Alar, MIC

    Homilies from the National Shrine

    16 min
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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!

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