In today’s homily, Fr. Chris Alar reminds us that prayer is not just something we do—it is who we are called to be. It is the lifeline between our soul and God, the “raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2559). Prayer is communication, relationship, and covenant. It is how we learn to love the Lord and conform our human will to His divine will.

Demonic possessions are not simply the stuff of scary Hollywood movies. The devil is real, Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, reminds us, and the Rite of Exorcism is a specific and important ministry of the Catholic Church.

Human trafficking violates the sanctity, dignity, and fundamental rights of the human person. Pope Benedict XVI called it “a crime against humanity.” Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains how it’s the business of stealing someone's freedom for profit, and freedom is the most defining characteristic of the human person. Then hear the inspirational story of Metanoia Manor, a place that helps young girls recover from being victims of human trafficking.