show episodes
 
"Catholic Saints & Feasts" offers a dramatic reflection on each saint and feast day of the General Calendar of the Catholic Church. The reflections are taken from the four volume book series: "Saints & Feasts of the Catholic Calendar," written by Fr. Michael Black. These reflections profile the theological bone breakers, the verbal flame throwers, the ocean crossers, the heart-melters, and the sweet-chanting virgin-martyrs who populate the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.
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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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show series
 
Ken talks with Father Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. “The Four Levels of Happiness: Your Path to Personal Flourishing” (Sophia Institute Press) and Fr. Michael Brisson, LC “Death in Black and White” (Ignatius Press). Father Spitzer’s book available at: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-four-levels-of-happiness/ and Father Brisson’s at: https://i…
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September 5: Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Religious 1910–1997 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White (Mother Teresa is not on the Church’s universal calendar but is included here due to her renown) Patron Saint of the Archdiocese of Calcutta, India She equals in generosity the great ‘Teresas’ she emulated Anjezë (Agnes) Gonxha Bojaxhiu was a tiny …
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September 3: Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor c. 540–604 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of musicians, singers, students, and teachers A gifted nobleman serves Rome, becomes a monk, and then a consequential pope When your salad is awesome, your car amazing, and your internet connection is great, there’s a problem. Overused su…
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Ken talks with Timothy O’Malley, Ph.D. “Behold, Believe, Become: Meeting the Hidden Christ in Things We See, Say and Do at Mass” (Ave Maria Press)and Steve Dawson “Catholic Evangelization: Stories of Conversion and Witness” (Ignatius Press). Tim’s book available at: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/behold-believe-become Steve’s book available…
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August 29: The Passion of Saint John the Baptist, Martyr c. 29 A.D. Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red A desert-dwelling, locust-eating, weed-wearing, celibate ascetic dies for marriage Saint John Vianney was so opposed to the dances held routinely in his small town of Ars that he dedicated a small chapel in his parish church to Saint John the Baptist…
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August 28: Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor 354–430 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of theologians and printers A psychologist, theologian, and working bishop is the greatest convert after Saint Paul The mighty African Saint Augustine climbed the heights of thought, stood upright on their peaks, and turned toward Rome, and thus spr…
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Mission Aviation Fellowship is an international charity using specially-adapted aircraft to bring all kinds of aid to otherwise inaccesible places. In this programme, Dom Sant and his 11 year old son Isaac talk about MAF's work in Papua New Guinea, where they live - and local businessman David Dorricott explains why he's donating a brand new plane …
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August 27: Saint Monica c. 331–387 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of difficult marriages, homemakers, and mothers Without her example of persevering prayer, her gifted son would not have converted Most of the female saints of the first few centuries of the Church are virgins, martyrs, or both. Most of the medieval and modern female …
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August 25: Saint Louis 1214–1270 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of barbers, grooms, and Saint Louis, Missouri A king leads in piety, mortification, and faith, and dies crusading for the King of all Jesus said, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mt 16:24). To…
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August 25: Saint Joseph Calasanz, Priest 1556–1648 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of Catholic schools and school children A visionary implements his plan, is defamed, and forgives The star of today’s saint burns less brightly than others in the great constellation of counter-reformation saints. But the educational vision of…
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August 24: Saint Bartholomew, Apostle First Century Feast; Liturgical Color: Red Patron Saint of bookbinders, butchers, and leather workers The Church conquered an imperfect world due to the heroic witness of the Apostles Little is known with certainty about today’s Apostle, and perhaps Saint Bartholomew is just fine with that. If he were like Sain…
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August 23: Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin 1586–1617 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of Peru, florists, and gardeners America’s first saint, she conquered herself by direct attack Today’s saint was born Isabel Flores de Oliva in colonial Spain, today’s Peru, to a middle-class Catholic family. She took the name “Rose” when she was…
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Ken talks with Abigail Jorgensen “A Catholic Guide to Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss” (Ave Maria Press) and Karen Hall “The Sound of Silence: The Life and Canceling of a Heroic Jesuit Priest” (Crisis Publications/Sophia Institute Press). Abigail’s book available at: https://www.avemariapress.com/products/catholic-guide-to-miscarriage-stil…
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August 22: Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary Memorial; Liturgical Color: White The mother of a king is a queen who receives honor in her son’s realm Mary is both a queen and a mother, but she is more mother than queen. Mary’s Queenship and “mothership,” or motherhood, spark to life simultaneously. In the very moment Mary becomes a mother at the …
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August 21: Saint Pius X, Pope 1835–1914 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of First Communicants and pilgrims Born humble and poor, he never forgot his origins while in the Chair of St. Peter In the long span of three hundred and forty years between the death of Pope Saint Pius V in 1572 and today’s pope-saint, who died in 1914, not one…
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August 20: Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor 1090–1153 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of the Cistercian Order, beekeepers, and candlemakers A reformer par excellence, he saved the Benedictine Order and rejuvenated monasticism Today’s saint was like a medieval rock star who never stopped touring Europe. He traveled with an…
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Retired Methodist Minister Rev'd Paul Davis and his wife Elizabeth have just spent over two months on the Island, as Paul assisted the local Methodist churches whilst our own Chair of District, Rev'd Dr Janet Corlett, was on sabbatical. On the programme today, we discover why the Island is a home-from-home for this Lancashire couple, and learn more…
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Where is Mary in the Bible? Here are the virtues we need to get to Heaven, all shown by Mary in the Bible. Also, learn about the amazing video taken personally by Fr. Chris Alar showing the evidence of Mary's intercession. To watch "Explaining the Faith with Fr. Chris Alar," visit Divine Mercy Plus! Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine …
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August 19: Saint John Eudes, Priest 1601–1680 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of the Diocese of Baie-Comeau, Québec His fine education led to a life of deep prayer and identity with Jesus Many educated Catholics are familiar with the great Spanish saints of the 1500s: Saints Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier, John of the Cross…
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August 16: Saint Stephen of Hungary c. 975–1038 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of Hungary and of kings Baptized by his pagan father, made King by the Pope, his heirs demolished his legacy Saint Stephen of Hungary was a warrior king whose silhouette stands proud on a far distant horizon as the sun rises behind him at the daw…
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Ken talks with James Papandrea “Praying Like the Early Church” (Sophia Institute Press) and Nikolas Nikas “Now and at the Hour of Our Death: Making Moral Decision at the End of Life” (Ignatius Press). James’s book available at: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/praying-like-the-early-church/ and Nikloas’s at: https://ignatius.com/now-and-at-the-h…
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August 15: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Century Solemnity; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of France and Lebanon God wants Mary for Himself Today’s Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary body and soul into heaven commemorates, liturgically, a dogma. Catholicism celebrates her dogmas like a country celebrates its independence da…
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August 14: Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, Priest and Martyr 1894–1941 Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red Patron Saint of prisoners, drug addicts, journalists, and the pro-life movement Prisoner 16670 was tough, immersed in God, and ready when the moment came Saints are made, not born. Even more so martyrs. Maximilian Kolbe was so impressive a man that h…
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August 13: Saints Pontian, Pope; & Hippolytus, Priest: Martyrs Late Second Century–c. 235 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red Patron Saint of Montaldo Scarampi, Italy (Pontian) and prison guards (Hippolytus) An exiled Pope dies along with a learned priest Today’s martyrs died on the island of Sardinia, perhaps from overwork in the mines or per…
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One of the most beloved saints from antiquity is St. Philomena. With some of the most amazing miracles ever known, numerous popes and saints have invoked her intercession, but did she really exist? What do we know about her and why is she so important? Fr. Chris Alar explains. Are you enjoying this podcast? I invite you to listen to more shows brou…
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August 12: Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Religious 1572–1641 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of widows and parents separated from their children An aristocratic widow’s grief is transformed into love of God Today’s saint was well born and acted like it. She was educated, refined, beautiful, witty, and wealthy. She married a…
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On today's programme we tell the story of the new Port Erin Methodist church - from plans that began 8 years ago, to the official opening ceremony yesterday morning. It's next to - but separate from - the 1903 church building on Station Road, and incorporates the hall and Sunday Schoolrooms added to the 1903 church in 1973. But what we have now is …
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August 11: Saint Clare, Virgin c. 1193–1253 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of embroiderers, goldsmiths, and laundry workers She heard Francis, left comfort, and slept on the floor for forty-one years Silicon Valley is not, topographically, a valley. The name is a contrivance dating from the 1970s and 80s. The actual valley is named …
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August 10: Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr c. Early Third Century–258 Feast; Liturgical Color: Red Patron Saint of deacons, comics, and cooks A Deacon heads the Church for four days, then perishes like his fellow deacons The Church’s liturgy, like all public rituals whether sacred or secular, is inherently conservative. Its form is not easily alt…
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August 9: Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr 1891–1942 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red Co-Patron Saint of Europe A Jewish intellectual discovers St. Teresa of Ávila, converts, and dies for her race Edith Stein, today’s saint’s given name, was a highly cultured European intellectual. She obtained a doctorate in philosoph…
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August 8: Saint Dominic, Priest c. 1170–1221 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of the Dominican Republic, astronomers, and the falsely accused A one-man army for God; long practice taught him how to preach the Truth Today’s saint and Saint Francis of Assisi were close contemporaries. They both founded influential religious orders, coll…
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August 7: Saint Cajetan, Priest 1480–1547 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of Argentina, the unemployed, and gamblers A reformer before his time Gaetano di Conte di Thiene, today’s saint, was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he spit it out. His father was a count, his family noblemen, and his status and wealth secur…
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August 7: Saint Sixtus II, Pope; and Companions, Martyrs Early Third Century–258 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: Red Patron Saint of Bellegra, Italy The Pope is murdered in cold blood The sixth pope was named the “Sixth” or, in Latin, “Sixtus.” He reigned from 115–125 A.D. The next Sixtus was today’s martyr, who reigned from one August to the …
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August 6: The Transfiguration of the Lord First Century Feast; Liturgical Color: White A preview of coming attractions, our destination is a person more than a place It was not a miracle that Jesus Christ transfigured Himself on Mount Tabor before the Apostles. It was a miracle that He maintained His common, earthly appearance for the whole of His …
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August 5: Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major Fifth century Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White A venerable basilica preserves its ancient aura A house is more than a building. When it personifies the family within, it is a home. Or at least it should be. That an office building contains businesses; a house—a family; a barracks—so…
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On the programme today : Jen Casson talks about her new community outreach under the GOD FOR ALL banner of the Methodist Church on the Island. It starts on Thursday 5th September at 11.30am in Castletown Methodist church lounge - if you'd like to know more, or lend a helping hand, email Jen - jen.casson@methodist.org.im Rev'd Andrew de Smet is an A…
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We have all seen images of Mary, but why are some black? And what is the miraculous story of Our Lady of Czestochowa and why do we need to know about it? Fr. Chris Alar answers these questions and more. Discover more about the Catholic faith on Divine Mercy Plus! Support Our Ministries! Fair Use Policy Are you enjoying this podcast? I invite you to…
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August 4: Saint John Vianney, Priest 1786–1859 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of parish priests A farmer knows God through prayer, not books, and becomes a holy priest “Is Mr. Vianney good?” the Vicar General asked. “He is a model of goodness,” the seminary official responded. “Very well. Then let him be ordained.” And thus the last…
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August 2: Saint Peter Julian Eymard, Priest 1811–1868 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Apostle of the Holy Eucharist The Eucharist was the pearl that shone in his eyes The great artist Auguste Rodin, who sculpted “The Thinker” and other world-famous pieces, met today’s saint in 1862 and joined his Congregation as a lay brother. Rodin was …
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August 2: Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop Early Fourth Century–371 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of Piedmont, Italy A bishop suffers exile and abuse for his defense of orthodoxy Eusebius was chosen Bishop of the Northern Italian city of Vercelli by popular acclaim in the 340s, even though he was an immigrant from the is…
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Ken talks with Paul Zucarelli “One Lord, One Faith, One Church: An Inconvenient Truth” (Sophia Institute Press) Brya Hanan “Befriending Your Inner Child: A Catholic Approach to Healing and Wholeness” (Ave Maria Press). Paul’s book available at: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/one-lord-one-faith-one-church/ Follow and learn more about Paul at: h…
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August 1: Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, Bishop and Doctor 1696–1787 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of moral theologians and confessors A lawyer becomes holy Today’s saint was given the gift of a comprehensive education by his parents from a young age. He finished his university studies with degrees in civil and canon law when he was just…
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Trying something a little different with a mid-week AT YOUR SERVICE - there's still lots on offer as we celebrate the Island's Patron Saint - Maughold - with walks, talks and food all based around Kirk Maughold - the Parish Church (set in the most stunning countryside with amazing coastal views!) The Choristers from St John The Baptist Parish Churc…
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July 31: Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest 1491–1556 Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of soldiers, retreats, and the Basque country A soldier reads, becomes holy, and founds a mighty company Like so many other male saints, today’s saint began his adult life as a knight and soldier. In the service of a local noble, he learned the male s…
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Many are (rightfully so) frustrated with the lack of reverence and adherence to doctrine at some Catholic Masses today. However, is SSPX (Society of St. Pius X) founded by Archbishop Lefebvre the answer? Can a Catholic validly attend one of their Masses or receive their sacraments? Are they in schism or not? Hear Fr. Chris Alar explain this as well…
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July 30: Saint Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor c. 380–c. 450 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of Imola, Italy, invoked against fever and mad dogs A golden tongued bishop preaches to a golden city In 330 A.D., the Emperor Constantine transferred his capital from Rome to a newly constructed city he named after himself in p…
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July 29: Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus First Century Memorial: Liturgical Color: White Patron Saints of siblings Jesus, an only child, is attracted to family life Jesus goes to the home of Zacchaeus to encourage his conversion. He goes to the home of Matthew after the tax collector becomes a disciple. And he goes to other homes to challenge reli…
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July 26: Saints Joachim and Anne Late First Century B.C.–Early First Century A.D. Memorial; Liturgical Color: White Patron Saints of grandparents and of Canada (Anne) God has a family tree, just like all men Many parents think their child is perfect. Only two sets of parents were ever right. Saint Mary and Saint Joseph had a child through grace and…
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Ken talks with Max Engel “On the 8th Day: A Catholic Theology of Sport” (Cascade Books) and Haley Stewart “Women of the Catholic Imagination: Twelve Inspired Novelists You Should Know” (Word on Fire). Max’s book available at: https://www.amazon.com/Eighth-Day-Catholic-Theology-Sport-ebook/dp/B0B4FLTKK3?ref_=ast_author_mpb and Haley’s book at: https…
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