Homilies from the National Shrine

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 ★

The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052626.cfmIn 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 ★

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 ★

The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/052426-DayIn 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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

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 ★

The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051926.cfmWhat does it really mean to glorify God the Father? Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains that glorifying God begins with obedience — not out of fear, but with the trust of a child who knows the Father loves him. Jesus reveals this perfectly on the Cross, where His total obedience opens the way for us to return to God. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this powerful homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on the life and legacy of St. Stanislaus Papczyński, founder of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Discover how St. Stanislaus passionately believed in the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, long before it was dogma. Learn about St. Stanislaus’ tireless work as a chaplain, preacher, and confessor, his many struggles and heroic journey to Rome to secure papal approval for the Marian Congregation, and how he received the Rule of the Ten Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.St. Stanislaus Papczyński, pray for us! ★ Support this podcast ★

The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051426-AscensionOn Ascension Thursday, Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, reflected on the Church’s hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return after the Resurrection and Ascension. He emphasized that Christ remains with us daily through the Eucharist, uniting the Church as one body journeying together toward His Kingdom. He explained the ancient Christian tradition of facing East during prayer, and the celebration of the Mass as a symbol of looking toward Christ, the true focus of worship. The priest is not meant to be the center of attention; rather, all are called to look beyond human weakness and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Through this shared orientation toward God, the Church continues to always follow Christ in the right direction with faith and hope. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051326.cfmOn the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Fr. Chris Alar reflects on Our Lady’s urgent call to prayer, penance, reparation, and consecration for world peace. He explains Sister Lucia’s clarification to Pope St. John Paul II about the true way Russia was to be consecrated: Solemnly, universally, and in union with the bishops of the world. Father Chris highlights the significance of the March 25, 1984 consecration, and connects it to March 25, 2022, when Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with the bishops of the world. Fatima is not just a message from the past — It is a call for our time._______________________________The Seven Fatima PrayersDuring the course of the apparitions at Fatima, the three child seers were taught five unique andpowerful prayers, two by the Angel of Peace and three by the Mother of God. Later, appearing toSister Lucy at Rianjo, Spain, Our Lord Jesus Christ dictated two further prayers. For millions ofpeople, these prayers are today a living embodiment of the Message of hope and peace whichOur Lady gave the world at Fatima.Recently a practice has developed of reciting one or more of these prayers on a daily basis. Feelfree to recite them in any order which you find most comforting and appropriate.MondayMy God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do notbelieve, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You!TuesdayO Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sinscommitted against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.WednesdayO my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fire of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially thosewho are most in need.ThursdayO Most Holy Trinity, I adore You! My God, my God, I love You in the most Blessed Sacrament!FridaySweet Heart of Mary, be the salvation of Russia, Spain, Portugal, Europe and the whole world.SaturdayBy your pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, obtain for me the conversion of Russia,Spain, Portugal, Europe and the entire world.SundayMost Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I offer You the most precious Body, Blood,Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for thesacrileges, outrages and indifference by which He Himself is offended. And through the infinitemerits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of you the conversionof poor sinners. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051226.cfmWho Can Baptize, When, and Why? Some New Points By Fr. Chris AlarIn this homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, offers a powerful teaching on Baptism: It is not just a symbol, but a saving sacrament instituted by Christ. He explains why the Catholic Church has always baptized infants, why Baptism brings the grace of the Holy Spirit, and why parents should never delay giving their children this extraordinary gift from God. But he goes even deeper, raising an important question many Catholics may not know how to answer: Can a Baptism ever be illicit?  ★ Support this podcast ★

The Hour Is Coming: When Killing in God’s Name Is Mistaken for WorshipIn this homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on Jesus’ warning in the Gospel: “The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God” (Jn 16:2). He explains how, throughout history, people of different religions and ideologies have wrongly justified violence, persecution, slavery, and even murder by claiming they were doing the will of God. But this Gospel is not only about physical persecution: Father Chris also turns the message toward Christians today, reminding us that we too can “kill” with our tongues through slander, gossip, harsh judgment, and the destruction of another person’s reputation. ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050726.cfmFather Daniel Klimek, PhD, explains that the Council of Jerusalem established that faith in Christ, not painstaking adherence to the Mosaic Law, is the path to salvation, while clarifying that moral works remain essential as a fruit of that living faith. Father Daniel contrasts the secular view of God's commandments as unnecessarily restrictive chains with the biblical reality that obeying Christ is an act of love that brings complete joy and human flourishing. By remaining in this relationship of love, believers discover that true freedom is found, not by ignoring the law, but in honoring and obeying the Father who desires their happiness.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=pod✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=pod⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=podFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050526.cfmFather Anthony Gramlich, MIC, distinguishes between the fleeting peace of the world and the enduring inner peace that Jesus gives to us through the Holy Spirit, which removes fear and discouragement from our hearts. He encourages believers to trust in God’s divine providence, noting that even failures and struggles can be transformed into victories with grace. By embracing and relying on the Holy Spirit,  the Spirit of consolation and encouragement, we find true peace that allows us to persevere to the end.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=pod✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=pod⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=podFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050626.cfmFather Anthony Gramlich, MIC, uses the metaphor of a vineyard to explain that the Father is the Grower, Jesus is the true Vine, and the Holy Spirit is the invisible Sap that enables believers to bear fruit. Father Anthony teaches that, just as grapes must be crushed to produce wine, Christians must embrace the “crushing” of crosses and trials, remaining united to Christ and thereby producing spiritual wine for the Kingdom of God. By staying connected to life in the Spirit and thereby healthy, flourishing members of the Mystical Body of Christ through prayer, spiritual reading, the Sacraments, works of mercy, and Eucharistic Adoration, we can rejoice even in the midst of our sufferings and trust that God is working through our pains to bring forth new life.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=pod✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=pod⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=podFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050426.cfmFather Matthew Tomeny, MIC, teaches that true love for God is demonstrated by keeping His commandments and avoiding the mortal sins that squander the gift of His indwelling presence.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=YT✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=YTFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050326.cfmFather Mark Baron, MIC, explains that Jesus is not merely a guide to the truth,  but rather He is the Truth itself, the eternal Word of God who also reveals the inner logic and coherence of reality. Father Mark contrasts this with contradictory, incoherent “square circle” ideas about God, urging believers to conform their minds to the intelligible truth of Christ and to what this reveals about the logical order of the universe in order to fully trust reason and flourish in life. By entrusting our entire lives to Jesus, we align ourselves with the divine order that allows us to reason, flourish, and perform greater works.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=YT✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=YTFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050226.cfmFather Anthony Gramlich, MIC, compares heresy to a cancer that spreads through pride, using the story of the early heretic Arius, who denied the divinity of Jesus Christ, to illustrate why the Church must define doctrine to protect the faithful from error. He urges believers to adopt the humility of St. Athanasius, the great champion of orthodoxy against the Arian heresy, choosing to say “I believe” in the Creed even when full understanding is not yet reached. By rejecting doubt and embracing the unchanging truth of Christ’s divinity, we guard our souls against error and align ourselves with the truth about the eternal nature of God.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=YT✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=YTFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

Father Kaz Chwalek, MIC, presents St. Joseph the Worker as a quiet model of faith who balanced labor with prayer, serving to remind healthcare professionals that their long shifts and silent sacrifices are a way to cooperate with God's grace. Father Kaz contrasts this Christian vision of work with secular ideologies, urging believers to see their daily labor as a participation in Christ's own continuous work of salvation and sanctification. By uniting our efforts with Jesus, who offers Himself for us, we transform our toil into a means of growing closer to God and attaining the fullness of life in Heaven.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=pod✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=pod⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=podFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

God Entrusts Healing to PhysiciansThe readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/043026.cfmFather Anthony Gramlich, MIC, explains how Jesus sent St. Luke, a physician, to write a Gospel, revealing that God honors the medical vocation as a sacred calling to bring life and healing. Drawing from the story of St. Faustina obeying her doctor and the sacrifice of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, he urges patients to pray for their caregivers and medical professionals and  for those they serve. Every act of care in the medical field becomes a work of God when united with His love, reminding us that even in pain, we can find purpose in serving others.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=POD✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=POD⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=PODFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042926.cfmFather Kaz Chwalek, MIC, teaches that trials often become the catalyst for spreading the Gospel, just as persecution drove the early disciples to new lands. He highlights the selfless witness of  Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska and St. Catherine of Siena (whose feast days are today), to show how ordinary acts of love transform into extraordinary works of God. By embracing the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Eucharist, we are invited to run the race of faith with courage, assured that our journey leads to eternal life.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=pod✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=pod⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=podFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★

The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042826.cfmFather Mark Baron, MIC, teaches us that, as the Good Shepherd, Christ governs us with gentleness, calling us to cultivate humble hearts capable of hearing His voice. Father Baron highlights today’s liturgical Feast of St. Louis de Montfort, explaining how true devotion to Mary forms Christ in us so that we may better follow the Shepherd and avoid spiritual danger. By entrusting ourselves to Our Lady, we secure our place in the Father's hands and Heart, helping to ensure we remain faithful to the Sacraments, on the path to eternal life.⭐️ Support our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donate?source=YT✝️ Explore Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/?source=YT⛪️ Plan Your Visit to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy!https://www.shrineofdivinemercy.org/?source=YTFollow Us on Social Media!   📸    Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineMercy/    🔵    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivineMercyOfficial【ꚠ】TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@marianfathers ★ Support this podcast ★