Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar

Surprisingly, Fr. Chris Alar has never done a Saturday Talk on the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Join him now as he explains some fascinating facts that most of us do not know, including how the angels were involved! 

In Part 2 of 2, what did the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) talk about and do but was not recorded in the Bible? How do we know this? Answer: from tradition and from the mystics such as Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, Ven. Mary of Agreda, St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Elizabeth of Schonau. Join Fr. Chris as he summarizes what these mystics have said about what happened within the Holy Family during their time in Egypt, during their hidden life in Nazareth, during the death of St. Joseph, and during the public ministry of Jesus. Interesting stories are given (such as what the first words of Jesus were when he spoke) and what they did at home.

In Part 1 of 2, what did the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) talk about and do but was not recorded in the Bible? How do we know this? Answer: from tradition and from the mystics such as Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich, Ven. Mary of Agreda, St. Bridget of Sweden and St. Elizabeth of Schonau. Join Fr. Chris as he summarizes what these mystics have said about what happened within the Holy Family during their time in Egypt, during their hidden life in Nazareth, during the death of St. Joseph, and during the public ministry of Jesus. Interesting stories are given (such as what the first words of Jesus were when he spoke) and what they did at home.

Few people know that outside the United States, the most popular saint in the world is St. George! Why? Was the story of him slaying a dragon real? Why is he honored in Islam? Hear Fr. Chris Alar tell this incredible story of the saint you need to know more about, because the rest of the world does. 

Divine Mercy is both a Message and a Devotion. As JPII and Pope Benedict stated, the message of Divine Mercy is NOT optional. It is the "nucleus of the Gospel" and an integral part of Christian life and prayer - not a secondary devotion. So in answer to all the criticism about St. Faustina and the devotional of Divine Mercy, Fr. Chris Alar explains where Divine is within the Mass: EVERYWHERE!

We all know about the Stations of the Cross but many people don't pray them often because they are inconvenient to get to and take too long to pray. Join Fr. Chris Alar as he gives you a better understanding of why we pray the Stations, how to understand them better, and a new way to pray them quickly!

What we know about the Last Supper comes from the Bible, but what is the significance and the theology behind what Christ did? What is the symbolism and the teaching that Christ wants us to learn? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he shares with us what he learned in seminary about the Last Supper and help you to understand it in a better way than ever before.

We all know about receiving palms on Passion Sunday, and we know we read the account of the Crucifixion at Mass, but what else is important about this day? What are the traditions of Christians for centuries that are still in place but have also been lost? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain.

We all know the story of poor Job. He was a good and righteous man but God allowed him to endure suffering beyond imagination. Why? The answer may surprise you - it isn't what you think. Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains why this book of the Bible is different from any other. 

With so many Christian martyrs over the centuries, why do we remember these two and not many others? What really happened and how was one treated as the slave of the other? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains their incredible story and how it can help us today.

At one time or another, most people have said things that would not be considered 100% accurate. Some have told outright lies. So what does the Bible and the Church say if there is a time ever allowed to do this? What if it is only a white lie to protect someone or to not offend them? Is it ever justified? What is the danger of lying? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains this very practical topic.

We all grew up with Lent, but are we currently living it? What does Lent mean and where is it commanded in the Bible? What exactly is optional and what is mandatory for us to do? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains in this new talk what you need to know about Lent and why it is so important.

We all know about St. Valentine's Day - but do we really? Was he a real person? What did he do that became stories of legend and historical truth? Join Fr. Chris Alar as explains who this saint was, what the spirituality of St. Valentine's Day really is, and how is love really defined. 

Whether or not you're a sports fan or not, you know a sports fan. So what does the Church teach about sports? Is it okay to watch or participate on Sundays? What about the Superbowl? When does it cross the line from recreation to sin? Hear Fr. Chris summarize this in a fun and easy-to-understand way!

Every Sunday at Mass we pray the Nicene Creed. But do we "pray" it or do we only "say" it? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains the meaning of what we profess in our faith by looking at each sentence. For example, why doesn't the Creed mention Jesus descent into Hell but the Apostles' Creed does? When we profess that we believe in "one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church" do we mean the Roman Catholic Church? Actually not. This and many other insights await you in this video.

Everyone loves Hawaii, but what many don't know is two of the most significant saints of our modern times shaped the world in mercy from one little island. The story of their work and the conditions is utterly fascinating and unbelievable by today's standards. St. Damien of Molokai and St. Marianne Cope changed the world and they can change you, too. Hear Fr. Chris Alar tell their amazing story!

We all know what happened at Cana but what is the deeper meaning? It is much more than Jesus just turning water into wine. With so much to understand in this one passage, Fr. Chris Alar breaks it down so it is easy to understand and will help you to understand the significance of the role of Mary as intercessor. It is Biblical! 

With special guest, Maria's daughter, who also speaks! With the world in chaos, major events are unfolding in Venezuela. What prophecy by a declared "Servant of God" gives us the insight to understand what is happening and why? What do we need to do? Fr. Chris Alar explains this and the incredible approved apparitions of Betania, Venezuela.

The Meaning of the Holy Name of Jesus and why we celebrate it as a Feast on January 3. In this easy-to-understand talk, Fr. Chris Alar explains the symbols of Jesus' name, like IHS, and why using God's name in vain is much more than simply swearing.  

In this brand new talk on Mary, Fr. Chris Alar explains how she is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Foretold by the prophets, how do we show that Mary is the answer to the Biblical Promise of the Jews to the Christian reality of being the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. Watch this easy-to-understand presentation that shows many things you didn't know to understand who Mary was and her role in salvation history. 

Does Christmas have Jewish origins? If so, what are they and why are they important? We all wonder why the Jews still do not (en masse) accept Christ as the Messiah. What are the reasons for this and why don't they believe Jesus is their Savior of Prophecy? Fr. Chris Alar explains some interesting points that show how Jesus has fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies so you can better explain who He is. 

We have many Saints in the Church, so why is St. Lucy so special and how do we benefit from her intercession? Why do we need saints? And what was it that she did to help us today? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain this amazing story about a saint they couldn't kill, move, or make blind.

We have all heard about donating our organs or body to science, but what does the Church say about it? Is it allowed? If so, under what circumstances? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he shows you everything you need to know about this topic and why it is so important.

Few things can control our emotions and feelings like music. There is scientific proof of this. So how do we know these limits and boundaries? Hear Fr. Chris explain the power of music for the good or the bad and how St. Cecilia can help us. 

We all know about the Presentation of Jesus, but what about the Presentation of Mary? Is this in the Bible? What is the Protoevangelium of James and is it inspired by the Holy Spirit? Fr. Chris Alar gives a good summary of what it is, what we believe, and why.

Non-Catholics often reject the doctrine of Purgatory, claiming it is not Biblical. Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains where it is in the Bible and easy steps to do now to avoid the most extreme punishment after we die.

The practice of praying to the saints for intercession is as old as Christianity. So why is it so misunderstood? Can the saints hear us? Aren't they dead? Doesn't this take away honor from God? Do we worship them? Fr. Chris Alar answers all this and more! 

Many people today are turning to cremation as an easy, low-cost alternative to Christian burial. But is this really allowed by the Church? And if so, what do you need to know before you do this? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he gives an interesting summary of this important topic.

The terror and violence in the Israeli / Palestinian conflict is reaching a fever pitch with Hamas and the fear of World War III looming over the world. But who is right? What is happening and why? And what does the Church and the Bible say about it regarding the end times? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he summarizes this and gives you the most important information to understand and make sense of it.

Join us at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy for a special talk with Fr. Chris Alar in honor of the Feast of St. Faustina Kowalska, the Secretary and Apostle of Divine Mercy.St. Faustina was entrusted by Christ with the mission of proclaiming His message of Divine Mercy to the world, a mission that continues to transform lives through her Diary, through prayer, and through the Sacraments. On this special day, Fr. Chris will guide us deeper into the life, message, and spirituality of St. Faustina, helping us see how her trust in Jesus remains a path of hope and holiness for our times.This talk is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate St. Faustina’s legacy and to rediscover the message of Divine Mercy at its very source. Come and encounter the love of Christ through the witness of the saint who gave her life to make His mercy known.

With so many Catholics marrying non-Catholics today, and even Catholics marrying Catholics but outside of the Church, how are we to approach it? Can we attend? If not, what do we do to save the relationship? Fr. Chris Alar answers this in an easy-to-understand way. 

Do you know the story of St. Louis? Fr. Chris explains one of the most incredible saints in the history of the Church and explains the tie to the city of St. Louis and the meaning of the words he spoke. 

In part 1, Fr. Chris Alar gave amazing facts you didn't know about Baptism, Confession, and the Eucharist. Here in Part 2, he continues with what we need to know about Confirmation, Marriage (is yours valid?), the Priesthood, and Anointing of the Sick. What is covered will surprise you since what we thought we knew as Catholics is often not complete.

Fr. Chris Alar has spoken on the different sacraments many times on Saturday talks, homilies, missions, etc. He has explained why the Sacraments are so important (necessary for salvation) and what makes the Catholic Church different from all others. However, these talks are scattered all over the internet. Now, he has put them all together in one place, summarized better than ever before. Find the answers to questions such as Why do we baptize infants? Where is Confession in the Bible? Is your marriage valid? and many more! 

With all the Marian devotions in the Church, what makes OLGC so important? What is the incredible story behind it and what are the incredible graces we can get from it? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain.

In this new talk on the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. Chris Alar gives updated information about this incredibly important devotion in the Church. But what does it mean and what do we have to do to receive the graces promised by Christ?

Habemus Papam! What can we expect from Cardinal Robert Prevost who was elected as the new pope? While we trust that God is at work, we also need to know our new Bishop of Rome, our new Shepherd. Listen as Fr. Chris Alar explains who Leo XIV is, from his own words.

In his most detailed talk yet about Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Chris Alar explains how to get the grace promised by Jesus and explains why this is not optional. While the theology is deep, Fr. Chris makes it easy to understand. To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

Grace is the only way we get to Heaven. But what is it? What do you have to do to get it? Through Our Lady of Grace we learn why grace, lived in love, is the most important thing of all. Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain why this Marian devotion is the most important of all.To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

Few things have changed the world more in the last two years than AI. But what does the Church say about it? Is is good and helpful, or dangerous and demonic? Can it be used without opening portals? Fr. Chris Alar explains.To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

One of the most frightening but informative Marian apparitions in history happened at Garabandal, Spain, in the 1960s. What was this message and why is it important today? Can we believe this message and what has the Church officially said about it? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains all you need to know and what you need to do in order to follow what Heaven is asking for.To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

Completely different content from Fr. Chris' recent homily on this topic. With so much confusion about immigration today, what do Christians need to know? Should we have open borders? What does Jesus and the Bible say? Is Pope Francis right on this issue? Does his letter to the Catholic Bishops have to be followed? Hear Fr. Chris Alar answer these questions and more!To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

Today, most Christians believe that if they are only "a good person" they will get to Heaven. This is not correct. What Jesus and the Bible say about getting to Heaven involves much more. Is it through faith alone? Is it through doing good works? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain exactly what Jesus said we need to do to find eternal life.To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

One of the most powerful devotions in history, and one that keeps surfacing around the world, is the Holy Face (from the Veil of Veronica and the Shroud of Turin). What is so powerful about this and how do we differentiate one image of Christ from another? How did they come to be? Fr. Chris Alar explains this incredible gift of grace. To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithDiscover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

Does the Church still teach Limbo is real? What happens to unbaptized babies when they die? What is the Feast of the Holy Innocents really about? Why would God allow them to suffer so much? Hear Fr. Chris Alar answer these questions and more and elicit the help of these powerful soldiers! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! https://divinemercyplus.org/tags/Catholicism?utm_source=YTSupport Our Ministries: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/donation?source=ytTo access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the Faithor visit: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/podcastsFair Use Policy: https://www.thedivinemercy.org/house/fair-use-policy

With the synod and the resulting confusion from it, what does the Catholic Church actually say about women being ordained deacons? Can it happen? Who were deaconesses? What is Pope Francis saying? Joining Fr. Chris Alar as he explains what the Diaconate is, who St. Stephen was, and why we celebrate his feast day on December 26. To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the Faith or listen on DivineMercyPlus.org. Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Support Our MinistriesFair Use Policy

St. Faustina was taken to Purgatory and said the souls call Mary "Star of the Sea." Why? Why has Mary been called this title for over 1,000 years? What is the meaning of it and why does it matter to us today? Hear Fr. Chris Alar tell the very interesting story.Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! Support Our MinistriesTo access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the FaithFair Use Policy

Satan's attack is based on two things: Bringing down the Church and the family. It is critical, especially today, to know and understand how to defend our families from these attacks. Fr. Chris Alar explains what the family is, how to know each person's role, and then leads you in a consecration of your family. There are many consecrations out there today (to the Holy Spirit, to Mary, to Joseph, etc.) but this is the one that brings it all together. Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! Support Our Ministries.To access our weekly podcast, go to your preferred podcasting platform and search: Explaining the Faithor visit: DivineMercyPlus.orgFair Use Policy