Fr. Chris Alar explains how we got the traditions of the Christmas tree, candles in windows, tinsel, the 12 days of Christmas, and more.

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? Watch this latest episode of Living Divine Mercy as Fr. Chris Alar, MIC and Vinny Flynn discuss this powerful channel of grace.

Father Chris Alar, MIC explains why the Baptism of the Lord stands at the heart of the Church’s liturgical year. What began at Christmas with the revelation of Christ’s humanity now culminates in the public manifestation of His divinity. At the Jordan, the Father’s voice is heard, the Spirit descends, and Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son (ref. Mt 3:16–17).