Fr. Chris Explains

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 Great Mercy and the graces available for the asking.

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 more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plu...

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! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine...

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 versions of the Divine Mercy Image. Which version...

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! 

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! 

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 the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

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.

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! 

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! 

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! 

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! 

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! 

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! 

Do ghosts really exist? Yes, but who are they? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses Catholic Church teaching on ghosts and spirits, and the difference between prayer or veneration and necromancy. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

What makes the Catholic Church different from all other religions of the world is the Sacraments. Baptism impresses the Christian character in the soul, allowing the other sacraments. Baptism is necessary for salvation for all those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed. Fr. Chris Alar explains why this is so, mainly because it confers the first sanctifying grace and the supernatural virtues of f...

We know that God is glorified in his angels and in his saints. In this episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, speaks about a powerful example that combines them both: St. Faustina and the angels. Learn how God provides his angels to help us in our spiritual warfare and hear the 25-point “battle plan” given by God to St. Faustina that can help us today! Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Cathol...

Pope Pius X called St. Therese the greatest saint of modern times. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares more about this “little” saint; her life, her beliefs, and the role that Divine Mercy played in her spirituality. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

In this episode, join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he explores the life and incredible stories of one of the greatest saints of modern times, St. Padre Pio. Learn about the stigmata (Christ’s wounds) that he bore for 50 years and hear about some of his miracles and saintly virtues. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

See one of the most heart-warming stories we have ever featured on this show about an amazing place in Pittsburgh that will deeply affect you. Also, what are the Theological Virtues and do you know why the Church places such importance on them? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC answers these questions and many more on this episode of Living Divine Mercy. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic...

All people old enough remember where they were on Sept. 11, 2001. But do you know the connection between that attack and the Holy Name of Mary? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he discusses this connection. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Even going back to the Old Testament, the people of God have always had priests to mediate between them and God; to offer sacrifices in expiation for the sin of the people. Did the role of the priest change in the New Testament? And if so, how? Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! 

Learn about the apparitions of Our Lady at Lourdes, France, when Our Lady revealed herself as the Immaculate Conception and then left us a powerful devotion that has given the world thousands of healings over the past 164 years. God's healing power continues in many unseen ways and through the work of many modern-day apostles, such as the Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy. Become a Marian...

Are angels real? How can we better receive their help? Can I name my Guardian Angel? Must we believe in their existence? What does the Bible say? For the answers to these questions and to hear amazing stories about the presence of angels in the lives of ordinary people, watch this new episode of “Living Divine Mercy” with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC. Become a Marian Helper! Discover more about the Catholi...

The "Domestic Church" is a little-known term but is of extreme importance. So much so, that if we lose it, society will cease to exist. In this week’s episode, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, shares the Church’s teaching on the definition of the term and what it means for Catholics. He also shares an incredible example of a town that you wouldn’t believe still exists today and how its inhabitants live out th...