Welcome to “Father Chris Explains” – short audio teachings on important topics within our Catholic faith. These were all originally part of the popular EWTN television series, “Living Divine Mercy” and we’re happy to share them now in audio form.
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Each week, Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, director of the Association of Marian Helpers, examines in-depth an essential element of faith and morals that Catholics are called to proclaim, live, and celebrate. With wisdom, wit, and infectious enthusiasm, Fr. Chris digs deep into the richness, beauty, and truth of the faith that continues to transform hearts and lead people to God. May this podcast encourage your love of our Lord and love of your neighbor, especially of your brethren in the Church.
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"By means of the homily the mysteries of the faith and the guiding principles of the Christian life are expounded from the sacred text..." (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 52). In this podcast Fr. Chris Masla, Catholic priest of the diocese of Richmond, VA, shares his Sunday homily week after week.
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Selected homilies, presentations, and talks of Fr. Christopher Stanish, Pastor of St. Teresa of Avila in Valparaiso, Indiana.
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Jesus said, "Whoever wishes to come after Me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). This is what Christians have been trying to do for centuries: to become like Christ. The old expression was "imitating Christ"; now we say, "following Christ," walking in His footsteps, to become like Him. Join Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC, as he reads the spiritual classic, "The Imitation of Christ," from beginning to end. It was written in the 1400s, yet sounds like it was written yes ...
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These audio recordings are primarily the sermons and Bible teachings of Fr. Patrick Malone of Holy Cross Anglican Church near Milwaukee.
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Praying with Scripture: Christian Contemplation and Meditation in the Ignation Tradition with Fr. Timothy Gallagher - Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcast
Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts
Trusted Catholic Spiritual Formation and Direction
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Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explains the opening of the holy season of Lent, a time to think about God and not ourselves – similar to how we think about our Valentines and not ourselves.Marian Fathers
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020925.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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Is Being a Good Person Most Important to Acquire Heaven? NO!
1:29:56
1:29:56
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1:29:56Today, 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. Discover more a…
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MC6 – Using Colloquy in Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Using Colloquy in Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher discusses the significance of the colloquy in Ignatian prayer, describing it as the culminating moment when meditation or contemplation transitions into direct, heartfelt conversation with God. Using examples such as the Beatitudes and the storm…
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MC5 – God’s Presence in Silence – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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God’s Presence in Silence – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the distinction between meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition, and how both forms of prayer deepen one’s relationship with God. Meditation involves reflecting on Scripture’s meaning, while contemplation uses the imagin…
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As the central mystery of our faith, the Most Holy Trinity is the mystery of God in himself, one God in three distinct persons. In this episode Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, provides some insight on how we can come to understand this mystery which will never be fully understood by man. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020225.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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MC4 – Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Encountering Christ in Scripture – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher delves into the practical and spiritual steps for engaging in Ignatian meditation and contemplation. Preparation is a vital stage, encouraging a moment of stillness to recognize God’s loving presence before beginning prayer. It’s importa…
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What is the Hour of Great Mercy? Did Jesus ask St. Faustina to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy during this 3 o’clock hour? What are the promises associated with praying during this time? In the final episode of this 5-part series on the five channels of grace that were given to St. Faustina, Fr. Chris Alar discusses the meaning of the Hour of Grea…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012625.cfm Papal Bull of Indiction of the Ordinary Jubilee Year SPES NON CONFUNDIT: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/20240509_spes-non-confundit_bolla-giubileo2025.htmlFr. Chris Masla
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MC3 – Walking with Christ in Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Walking with Christ in Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores Ignatian meditation and contemplation, illustrating these practices through the story of Catherine, a woman who experienced profound spiritual healing during her retreat. Catherine engaged deeply with the Passion of Christ using Ig…
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What is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and why did Jesus give this most powerful prayer to St. Faustina? What promises did he make for salvation to all who would pray it? Learn all about how you can say this prayer to implore God’s mercy on mankind, the dying, and all sinners by meditating on the merits of His Passion. Become a Marian Helper! Discover…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011925.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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MC2 – Power of Imaginative Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Power of Imaginative Prayer – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher explores the distinctions and interplay between meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition, with Fr. Timothy Gallagher providing insights into how these methods deepen engagement with Scripture. Meditation involves reflecting on t…
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Novenas are very powerful prayers because they are an intense and persevering form of prayer. But what makes the Divine Mercy Novena — which is prayed between Good Friday and the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday — different from all other Novenas? And why did Jesus give specific groups that He wanted to be brought to Him? Become a Marian Helper!…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011225.cfm "The mystery of sharing in the Beloved Sonship of Christ is a foundational element in a man's capacity to receive the Love of the Father and, therefore, his own personal mission. If he does not receive this identity and come to savor and contemplate it, the man will make decisions that ref…
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Holy Face Devotion: Perfect Reparation
1:09:00
1:09:00
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1:09:00One 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…
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MC1 – Introduction – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher – Discerning Hearts Podcast
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Introduction – Meditation and Contemplation with Fr. Timothy Gallagher Fr. Timothy Gallagher explains the practice of praying with Scripture through meditation and contemplation in the Ignatian tradition. Rooted in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings, meditation uses reason to reflect on the meaning of Scripture, drawing personal insights and applyi…
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The Image of Divine Mercy is one of the three greatest images in the history of Sacred Art (along with the Shroud of Turin and Our Lady of Guadalupe). So what makes this icon so important? Why did Jesus say He wants it in every home and why did he offer so many promises to those who do? What is the theology behind it? In addition, there are several…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010525.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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The Marian Fathers
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What is the meaning of Divine Mercy Sunday and why is it so critical today? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC as he discusses the 5 elements of the devotion to Divine Mercy. This week we discuss the Feast. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Marian Fathers
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122924.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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Limbo? Unbaptized in Heaven? Answer: Holy Innocents
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1:30:09Does 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!…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122524-Vigil.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122524-Day.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122524-Night.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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We all know about Christmas time, but do we know why the traditions we have came about? When does Christmas actually begin and when does the Christmas season actually end? What is the true meaning of the season and why do we celebrate it on December 25. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122224.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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Can Women be Deacons? Who are Deacons and who was St. Stephen?
1:26:54
1:26:54
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1:26:54With 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…
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If you have ever wondered where some of our most treasured Christmas traditions originated, you’ll be surprised to learn that many of them, including the Christmas tree and even Santa Claus, began from Catholic roots. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares some stories about the traditions of Christmas. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about t…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121524.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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Why is St. Juan Diego's tilma called miraculous? Why is Our Lady of Guadalupe known as the protectress of life? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explores the events surrounding the apparition of Our Lady on the hill in Tepeyac near Mexico City and explains the miracles associated with the Tilma.... why it cannot be explained.…
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120824.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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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 Ministries To a…
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In this episode learn about the real meaning of the misunderstood and forgotten season of Advent and how it can help prepare us not only for Christmas, but for eternal life. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Marian Fathers
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/ Formed.org https://watch.formed.org/advent-and-christmasFr. Chris Masla
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How To Save Your Family: The Importance of Family Consecration
1:19:39
1:19:39
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1:19:39Satan'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 ther…
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Join Fr. Chris as he discusses why Thanksgiving is a religious observance and why it is so important for us to express our gratitude to the Lord. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Marian Fathers
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Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112424.cfmFr. Chris Masla
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As the most misunderstood and underappreciated person of the Trinity, we often fail to invoke the power of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. So we need to better understand Pentecost, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!…
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Part 5 of a 5 part homily series on the Kerygma, the core Gospel of God's love and the person and mission of Jesus Christ.Fr. Chris Masla
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Part 4 of a 5 part homily series on the Kerygma, the core Gospel of God's love and the person and mission of Jesus Christ.Fr. Chris Masla
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Is there a connection between the discipline required to excel at sports and the discipline required to excel in our faith? What does the Catholic Church teach about sports? Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Marian Fathers
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Moses and Jesus: The Meaning of the 10 Plagues
1:18:31
1:18:31
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1:18:31The Marian Fathers
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Part 3 of a 5 part homily series on the Kerygma, the core Gospel of God's love and the person and mission of Jesus Christ.Fr. Chris Masla
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In this episode in anticipation of All Saints Day, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, talks about the saints; who they are and why we venerate them. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Marian Fathers
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With Christian persecution and modern-day slavery around the world, we are morally obligated to do something about it. At the same time, we are enslaved ourselves to addiction and sin. Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain the "remedy" to both. Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! Support Our Ministries! Fair Use Policy…
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Can or should Catholics participate in celebrating Halloween? Fr. Chris shares the history of this holiday from its Catholic roots. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus!Marian Fathers
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Part 2 of a 5 part homily series on the Kerygma, the core Gospel of God's love and the person and mission of Jesus Christ.Fr. Chris Masla
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