Fr. Chris Alar explains the importance of the Ascension of Jesus, the difference from the Assumption of Mary, and what the Holy Days of Obligation are all about.

Welcome to a new podcast, "Divine Mercy Calls to Our Hearts," hosted by Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, and acclaimed author Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we naturally reflect on the gift of freedom, something so many have fought for and even died to protect. But as Catholics, we know that true freedom goes even deeper than politics or personal rights. Real freedom, explains Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, is choosing what is holy and what leads us closer to God. Then hear the story of Fr. Matthew Pawlikowski, a military chaplain who has spent his life forming soldiers for the battlefield and for spiritual battle.