Learn about the best apparitions of Mary as Fr. Chris Alar continues this series on the meaning and significance of approved Marian apparition. Apologies for saying "Walsington" instead of "Walsingham," which was an honest mistake out of habit. 

In today’s homily, Fr. Tyler Mentzer, MIC, reflects on the genealogy that opens the Gospel of Matthew — a passage we often rush past, yet one filled with profound hope. “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Mt 1:1; NABRE) is not merely a list of names. It is the story of salvation unfolding through real people, real families, and real brokenness.

To exercise true freedom, you have to be able to say yes and no to both the bad and the good, not just to what is sinful. When you fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, you are being obedient to the Church and share in the sacrifice of Christ. In fact, some demons can only be driven out by prayer and fasting. Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains.