As Fr. Chris Alar explains, the evening we now call Halloween began not as a pagan ritual, but as a sacred Christian vigil—All Hallows’ Eve, the holy night before the solemnity of All Saints’ Day. This feast, instituted in the 700s, has always been a time to honor the saints and pray for the faithful departed. The Church’s ancient practice of vigils reflected the truth that holy days begin at sundown, anticipating the joy of what is to come.

This year, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fell on the same day, Feb. 14, 2024. They have more in common than you might think. Join Fr. Chris Alar as he explains the opening of the holy season of Lent, a time to think about God and not ourselves.

Jesus gave us the Church and the Mother of the Church, Mary, to get us to Heaven. Let’s fill Mother's Day with thanksgiving and gratitude for our mothers, both biological and spiritual, says Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and also give thanks for the gift of Mary, our Spiritual Mother. Then hear the story of Voyage Comics, which publishes graphic novels about saints to guide young readers in the lessons of faith.