The Marian Fathers
Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar
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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The Marian Fathers
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Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 6, 2026
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Episodes
Meaning of Freedom: America 250 One Nation Under God's Mercy 06.07.2026 1:02:19
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 29.06.2026 1:30:30
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 22.06.2026 58:11
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 15.06.2026 1:15:02
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...
Why Now? Consecration of Nations to the Sacred Heart for the 250th 11.06.2026 58:30
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! 02.06.2026 1:09:23
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! 26.05.2026 1:24:00
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 18.05.2026 1:11:48
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 11.05.2026 52:37
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) 04.05.2026 51:06
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 du...
The Hidden Life of the Holy Family from the Mystics (PART 1) 27.04.2026 50:34
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 du...
Most Popular Saint in the World After Mary & Joseph: St. George 20.04.2026 1:05:02
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! 13.04.2026 49:28
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! 07.04.2026 1:19:14
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 30.03.2026 1:13:14
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 23.03.2026 41:10
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! 17.03.2026 1:15:34
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 09.03.2026 54:51
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! 02.03.2026 1:21:52
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 27.02.2026 1:19:05
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 16.02.2026 1:11:11
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? 09.02.2026 40:41
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 02.02.2026 55:09
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 Catho...
St. Damien of Molokai & Marianne Cope: Amazing! 26.01.2026 1:04:01
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 19.01.2026 1:06:35
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!
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