Fr. Mark interviews Fr. Colin Blatchford, Associate Director of Courage International, who shares the mission of Courage and EnCourage. Founded in 1980, Courage supports Catholics with same-sex attraction in living chaste lives, while EnCourage, established in 1987, offers support for families and friends. Fr. Blatchford discusses fostering virtuous friendships, spiritual growth, and the universal call to holiness, emphasizing God’s unconditional love and the power of community in overcoming struggles.
The title for this blog is taken from Acts 1:8, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses... to the end of the earth." This blog is about the witness of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit in the world today. The above photo is of the friars on the Sea of Galilee recording video reflections.
Monday, June 16, 2025
Monday, June 9, 2025
Ukraine’s Faith in the Face of War (Guest: St. Gabriel Institute)
Join Fr. Mark on Power and Witness as he sits down with Julian Hayda, Natalia Skoreiko, and Br. Danylo Kolasa from the St. Gabriel Institute. They share powerful stories of faith, resilience, and the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s mission to defend human dignity amid Russia’s invasion. Tune in to hear about their work in Christian diplomacy, the impact of war on Ukrainian families, and the enduring hope of a people rooted in Christ.
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
The Catholic Imagination in Film (Guest: John Paul Gutschke)
Join Fr. Mark and John Paul Gutschke as they dive into the power of film as a transformative art form, exploring how the Catholic imagination weaves themes of grace, redemption, and divine providence into storytelling that resonates with the human soul.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
Divine Mercy in Action (Guest: Fr. Chris Alar, MIC)
Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, and Fr. Mark on Power and Witness as they dive into the profound message of Divine Mercy. From St. Faustina’s revelations to the transformative power of Divine Mercy Sunday, they explore how God’s mercy—love in action—reaches out to humanity, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope, even in the darkest moments.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
From Galway to the Vatican (Guest: Dr. William A. Thomas, STD)
Join Fr. Mark as he interviews Dr. William A. Thomas, an Irish-born Catholic theologian with a doctorate in sacred theology. From his childhood as an orphan in County Galway to his roles at the Pontifical Marian Academy and the John Paul II Institute in Fatima, Dr. Thomas shares how his global education and deep faith shaped his 45 books and his mission to glorify God. Explore his reflections on Ireland’s spiritual past and present, and his unique perspective on the Knock apparition.
00:14 - Introduction and Dr. Thomas’s Background
03:59 - Life in Ireland and Early Education
10:03 - Global Studies and Personal Reflections
15:15 - Ireland’s Spiritual Crisis and Signs of Hope
20:28 - Marriage, Sunday, and Irish Virtues
30:01 - The Knock Apparition: A Prophetic Vision
42:18 - Marian Shrines and Healing Grace
46:53 - Mary’s Role and John Paul II’s Legacy
Monday, March 17, 2025
Walking by the Spirit (Guest: Dr. Ralph Martin)
Join Fr. Mark and Dr. Ralph Martin, author of A Life in the Spirit, as they explore a journey from a questioning Catholic upbringing to a pivotal Cursillo retreat and leadership in the Charismatic Renewal. Dr. Martin shares how the Holy Spirit ignited his faith, shaped his work with Renewal Ministries, and guides his prayer life today. From personal surrender to practical advice for believers facing a turbulent world, this episode offers an inspiring look at living the fullness of Catholic faith with eyes fixed on Jesus.
Ralph Martin is the president of Renewal Ministries and the host of the weekly Catholic television program The Choices We Face. He holds a doctorate in theology and is the director of Graduate Theology Programs in the New Evangelization at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Ralph is also the author of the widely read A Church in Crisis: Pathways Forward and The Fulfillment of All Desire: A Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints.
Ralph and his wife, Anne, reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and have six children and nineteen grandchildren.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Deepening Lent with the Collect Prayers (Guest: Fr. Edward Looney)
Ever wonder what Lent is really about? Join Fr. Mark Mary, MFVA and Fr. Edward Looney (Marian theologian and author) as they dive into the heart of Lent through the Church’s ancient prayers. In this episode, they unpack the beauty of the collect prayers, share personal stories of faith, and explore how Mary’s example can inspire us today.
Monday, March 3, 2025
Prayer in a Distracted Age (Guest: Fr. Donald Haggerty)
Join Father Donald Haggerty, a priest of the Archdiocese of New York serving at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, as he shares profound insights on prayer, spiritual longing, and the priesthood in today’s distracted world. From his early days with the Missionaries of Charity in the Bronx to hearing confessions amidst Manhattan’s bustle, Father Haggerty explores how silence, desire, and the real presence of God can transform lives. In this conversation with Father Mark, discover practical wisdom for cultivating a deeper faith—whether in a chapel or on a crowded subway—and hear how the sacraments and scripture continue to offer light amid the clash of modern life. Perfect for anyone seeking to move beyond routine and into the “deep waters” of a personal encounter with Christ.
0:00 - Intro & Fr. Haggerty’s Journey: From Missionaries of Charity to St. Patrick’s
5:01 - St. Patrick’s: Holiness in Manhattan’s Hustle
10:01 - Cultivating Desire in Prayer w/ St. Teresa
20:01 - Prayer Anywhere: God as Companion
27:01 - Detachment & Faith in a Distracted Age
34:01 - Priesthood Today: Purpose & Privilege
40:01 - The Power of Confession at St. Patrick’s
45:01 - Preaching to Provoke Deeper Faith
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Blending Faith & Finance (Guest: Stephen Auth)
In this episode of Power and Witness, Steve Auth returns after several years to share his remarkable dual life as a Wall Street investment expert managing over $80 billion and a passionate Catholic missionary. Steve discusses his 15-year mission in New York’s affluent Soho neighborhood, where he and his wife lead hundreds of missionaries to bring thousands of lapsed Catholics back to the sacrament of confession. From joyful street encounters to profound spiritual transformations, Steve reveals how virtues like prudence, humility, and perseverance shape both his financial success and his evangelistic work. He also touches on his upcoming book, 40 Years, 40 Lessons, and his art-based ministry, offering a unique perspective on faith, finance, and agapic love in the heart of the city.
00:00 - Introduction
00:43 - The Wall Street Missionary
05:57 - Street Evangelism
10:36 - Faith in Finance
15:55 - Virtues for Success
23:32 - Coping with Pressure
30:27 - Perseverance and Joy
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
The Heart of Marian Devotion with St. Louis de Montfort (Guest: Fr. Hugh Gillespe, SMM)
Uncover the powerful legacy of Saint Louis de Montfort—his radical devotion to Mary, his visionary missions, and his unwavering faith in the face of opposition. This episode reveals how his spiritual insights continue to inspire today. Don't miss this deep dive into a saint who reshaped the heart of Marian devotion.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
The First FOCUS Missionary Saint? (Guests: Ken and Mary Ann Duppong)
Fr. Mark interviews Ken and Mary Anne Duppong, parents of Michelle Duppong, a remarkable Catholic laywoman whose life of faith and service is now being considered for sainthood. Michelle served as a campus minister with FOCUS, guiding college students in their faith, and later as the Director of Adult Faith Formation for the Diocese of Bismarck. Despite passing away from cancer at just 31, her legacy of holiness and joy continues to inspire many. Learn more about her extraordinary story in this moving episode!
Learn more about Servant of God Michelle Duppong: https://www.ncregister.com/features/the-joy-of-knowing-jesus-the-holy-witness-of-michelle-duppong
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)