September is the month of Our Lady of Sorrows, also called Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. This title focuses on Mary's intense suffering during the Passion of Her Son, Jesus. Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains why the feast, celebrated on Sept. 15, is one of the most popular Marian feasts in the Catholic Church, and notes its special connection to Our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda.

What is Woke? There is more confusion in the world now than ever about the Woke movement, transgenderism, same-sex marriage, cancel culture, DEI, etc. How are we to understand it? Doesn't it defy reality, but at the same time seem to be Christian? Join Fr. Chris Alar as he defines Woke and "wokism" and what you need to know as a Christian.

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.