Homilies from the National Shrine

In this powerful homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on the life and legacy of St. Stanislaus Papczyński, founder of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Discover how St. Stanislaus passionately believed in the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, long before it was dogma. Learn about St. Stanislaus’ tireless work as a chaplain, preacher, and confessor, his many struggles and heroic journey to Rome to secure papal approval for the Marian Congregation, and how he received the Rule of the Ten Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Stanislaus Papczyński, pray for us!

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The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051426-Ascension
On Ascension Thursday, Fr. Matthew Tomeny, MIC, reflected on the Church’s hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return after the Resurrection and Ascension. He emphasized that Christ remains with us daily through the Eucharist, uniting the Church as one body journeying together toward His Kingdom. He explained the ancient Christian tradition of facing East during prayer, and the celebration of the Mass as a symbol of looking toward Christ, the true focus of worship. The priest is not meant to be the center of attention; rather, all are called to look beyond human weakness and keep their eyes fixed on Jesus. Through this shared orientation toward God, the Church continues to always follow Christ in the right direction with faith and hope.

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The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051326.cfm
On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Fr. Chris Alar reflects on Our Lady’s urgent call to prayer, penance, reparation, and consecration for world peace. He explains Sister Lucia’s clarification to Pope St. John Paul II about the true way Russia was to be consecrated: Solemnly, universally, and in union with the bishops of the world. Father Chris highlights the significance of the March 25, 1984 consecration, and connects it to March 25, 2022, when Pope Francis consecrated Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with the bishops of the world. Fatima is not just a message from the past — It is a call for our time.
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The Seven Fatima Prayers
During the course of the apparitions at Fatima, the three child seers were taught five unique and
powerful prayers, two by the Angel of Peace and three by the Mother of God. Later, appearing to
Sister Lucy at Rianjo, Spain, Our Lord Jesus Christ dictated two further prayers. For millions of
people, these prayers are today a living embodiment of the Message of hope and peace which
Our Lady gave the world at Fatima.
Recently a practice has developed of reciting one or more of these prayers on a daily basis. Feel
free to recite them in any order which you find most comforting and appropriate.
Monday
My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not
believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You!
Tuesday
O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins
committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Wednesday
O my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fire of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those
who are most in need.
Thursday
O Most Holy Trinity, I adore You! My God, my God, I love You in the most Blessed Sacrament!
Friday
Sweet Heart of Mary, be the salvation of Russia, Spain, Portugal, Europe and the whole world.
Saturday
By your pure and Immaculate Conception, O Mary, obtain for me the conversion of Russia,
Spain, Portugal, Europe and the entire world.
Sunday
Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I offer You the most precious Body, Blood,
Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the
sacrileges, outrages and indifference by which He Himself is offended. And through the infinite
merits of His most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of you the conversion
of poor sinners.

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The Readings for Today's Homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051226.cfm
Who Can Baptize, When, and Why? Some New Points By Fr. Chris Alar
In this homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, offers a powerful teaching on Baptism: It is not just a symbol, but a saving sacrament instituted by Christ. He explains why the Catholic Church has always baptized infants, why Baptism brings the grace of the Holy Spirit, and why parents should never delay giving their children this extraordinary gift from God. But he goes even deeper, raising an important question many Catholics may not know how to answer: Can a Baptism ever be illicit? 

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The Hour Is Coming: When Killing in God’s Name Is Mistaken for Worship

In this homily, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, reflects on Jesus’ warning in the Gospel: “The hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God” (Jn 16:2). He explains how, throughout history, people of different religions and ideologies have wrongly justified violence, persecution, slavery, and even murder by claiming they were doing the will of God. But this Gospel is not only about physical persecution: Father Chris also turns the message toward Christians today, reminding us that we too can “kill” with our tongues through slander, gossip, harsh judgment, and the destruction of another person’s reputation.

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