Why do we receive ashes? Is Ash Wednesday a holy day of obligation? What are the Church's rules on fasting and abstinence? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, gives us answers to these and other questions about the holy season of Lent that we are entering into. This episode features a story about St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo, New York, and one of its founders, Amy Betros. This is a shining example of living Divine Mercy through utilizing time, talents, and treasures to do the work of God here on earth.

In Greek the word “martyr” means “witness,” but to what is a martyr witnessing? The martyr chooses to give witness to the reality of the good of God over the good of his own life. But is the shedding of blood what God really wants? Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains. Then meet Gene Zanetti and his apostolate called Spiritual Strength, which uses sports as a metaphor and platform to instill Catholic virtue.

Why has addiction become so prevalent in our world? What, if anything, can we do to overcome it? What can we do to maintain hope? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, for a frank discussion and learn some answers to these questions. This episode also features an interview with Jim Wahlberg (brother of Mark Wahlberg) in which he shares some of his family’s experience with addiction and how they have worked to overcome it.