Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar

40 Episodes
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By: The Marian Fathers

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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Meaning of Freedom: America 250 One Nation Under God's Mercy
#238
Today at 5:14 PM

America 250 has significance not just in the United States but around the world. The importance of freedom and religious liberty affects every human on earth. What do you need to know about it? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains how the Catholic Church was the most important piece of the founding of America and how it shaped Western civilization. 


Finally! Responding to Divine Mercy Criticisms! Part 1
#237
06/29/2026

We have all heard it before: Divine Mercy is not authentic. It was banned. The Image of Divine Mercy is not correct. John Paul II only approved it because it was Polish. It is of Satan! Now, Fr. Chris Alar begins a new series of talks answering every one of these attacks and explains in detail why they are not correct. 


Sts. Thomas More & John Fisher: Do a Fortnight of Freedom
#236
06/22/2026

St.Thomas More and St. John Fisher are names we recognize but do we fully understand what they did and how we are still doing what they stood against? How did Henry VIII and Bloody Mary affect the course of history? As they both showed, defending the Faith and the gifts God gives us, such as marriage and the Church, is something worth dying for. Hear Fr. Chris Alar tell their amazing story.


Ad Orientem (to the East): Why There is a Controversy
#235
06/15/2026

In Traditionis Custodes Pope Francis implemented restrictions on the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. But did that apply to the Novus Ordo Mass celebrated Ad Orientem? Is this allowed, and if so, is permission needed? What is more traditional, the priest facing toward, or away from, the people? What are the reasons this priestly posture should or should not be done? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain this in detail and tell why it has been so controversial. 


Why Now? Consecration of Nations to the Sacred Heart for the 250th
#234
06/11/2026

We have all heard about the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but do we really know what God asks of us through it? Do we understand the importance and how we as a single disciple can change the world? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain why the United States waited so long to Consecrate to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and how we can avoid being like France in being too late. 


The Visitation: Amazing & New!
#233
06/02/2026

We all know the story of the Visitation in the Gospel of Luke. But do you know the full meaning? What is the symbolism and literal interpretation by the Church Fathers? What is the Connection to the Book of Revelation? Is Mary the New Ark of the Covenant? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain with all new details about this amazing event in the Bible. 


The Two Pentecosts in the Bible & the 2nd Pentecost to Come!
#232
05/26/2026

We know about Pentecost and the Holy Spirit from the Bible in Acts 2, but do you know there were two Pentecosts in Scripture, including John 20? And what is the Second Pentecost still to come? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain all about Pentecost and some fascinating aspects of it that most people have never heard of. 


Amazing Story of St. Rita! The Saint of Impossible Cases
#231
05/18/2026

We all know the top saints who can help us with specific needs. But how about impossible cases? That would be the job for St. Rita. Make her your patron saint and find out how she can help you now. Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain her amazing story! 


The Angels and the Ascension: What We Didn't Know
#230
05/11/2026

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! 


The Hidden Life of the Holy Family from the Mystics (PART 2)
#229
05/04/2026

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...


The Hidden Life of the Holy Family from the Mystics (PART 1)
#228
04/27/2026

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...


Most Popular Saint in the World After Mary & Joseph: St. George
#227
04/20/2026

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 in the Liturgy: It's NOT Just a Devotion!
#226
04/13/2026

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!


Meaning of the Stations of the Cross: Learn a Quick Way to Pray!
#225
04/07/2026

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!


The Last Supper: A Summary of Its Meaning
#224
03/30/2026

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.


Complete Summary and Meaning of Palm Sunday
#223
03/23/2026

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.


Book of Job: Meaning of Suffering? It's More Than That!
#222
03/17/2026

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. 


Saints Perpetua & Felicity: What I Learned in Seminary
#221
03/09/2026

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.


Lying: This Will Surprise You!
#220
03/02/2026

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.


A New Summary of Lent! A Guide for All Christians
#219
02/27/2026

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.


The Real St. Valentine & the Meaning of Commitment
#218
02/16/2026

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. 


Sports on Sunday & When Does it Become an Idol?
#217
02/09/2026

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!


Explaining What the Creed Means Line by Line
#216
02/02/2026

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.


St. Damien of Molokai & Marianne Cope: Amazing!
#215
01/26/2026

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!


What Really Happened at Cana and Why It Matters
#214
01/19/2026

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! 


It Begins Here! Venezuela Prophecy of Servant of God Maria Esperanza
#213
01/12/2026

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.


Holy Name of Jesus - God's Name in Vain? More Than a Curse Word!
#212
01/05/2026

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.  


Mary: Jewish Promise to Christian Reality
#211
12/29/2025

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. 


How to Show Jesus is the Jewish Messiah
#210
12/23/2025

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. 


Incredible Story of St. Lucy: Patron of Eyes & How She Can Help
#209
12/15/2025

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.


Body & Organ Donation: What is Allowed & What is Not?
#208
12/01/2025

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.


Music's Incredible Control Over Us: How can St. Cecilia Help?
#207
11/24/2025

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. 


The Presentation of Jesus or Mary? A Simple Summary
#206
11/17/2025

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.


Understanding Purgatory and Proof It Exists
#205
11/17/2025

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.


Praying to Dead People? All Saints' Day
#204
11/03/2025

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! 


Cremation: Is It Allowed?
#203
10/27/2025

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.


What Does the Church Say About Israel & Gaza?
#202
10/21/2025

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.


Why Did Jesus Choose St. Faustina Kowalska?
#201
10/07/2025

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...


Can We Attend Weddings Outside of the Catholic Church?
#200
09/02/2025

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. 


St. Louis? Fr. Chris Alar's Top 5!
#199
08/25/2025

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.