Power & Witness

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Whether you're looking to deepen your prayer life or understand the season better, this conversation is a must-listen! Click to discover how these timeless prayers can transform your Lenten journey.

Father Donald Haggerty, a New York priest at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, shares insights on prayer, spiritual desire, and the priesthood. From his work with the Missionaries of Charity to confessions in Manhattan, he reveals how silence and longing for God can thrive amid modern distractions. Join Father Mark for a conversation on deepening faith in a busy world.

Steve Auth, a Wall Street veteran managing billions, rejoins Power and Witness to share his 15-year mission in Soho, bringing thousands of lapsed Catholics back to confession. He blends faith and finance, discussing how virtues like prudence and humility fuel his success and evangelistic work, alongside his upcoming book, 40 Years, 40 Lessons.

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.

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!

Dive deeper into the intersection of faith, morality, and true human connection with Fr. Christopher Seith! In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore the power of living a moral life, the role of prayer, and how our relationship with God can transform our struggles into moments of grace. Fr. Christopher Seith grew up in Bowie, MD and attended the University of Maryland before entering seminary for the Archdiocese of Washington. He was ordained a priest in 2014. After serving as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mercy parish in Potomac, MD, he began his doctoral studies at The Catholic University of Amercia, while living at St. John Paul II Seminary. In the Spring of 2020, he successfully defended his dissertation in which he argued that digital devices, unless they are used in a way contrary to their intended use, will imprison their users within an apathetic and anxious world and damage their ability to joyfully celebrate the sacred mysteries. In 2022, he published his work as a book, entitled "Rekindling Wonder: Touching Heaven in a Screen Saturated World." He currently serves as Coordinator of Spiritual Formation at St. John Paul II Seminary in Washington, DC.

Everett Fritz is a leading expert in small group discipleship and an advocate for quality youth ministry. He is the author of 4 books, including The Art of Forming Young Disciples and One Disciple at a Time. Everett has been serving in the trenches of youth ministry for over 15 years. He holds a BA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and an MA in Theology with concentrations in catechesis and evangelization from the Augustine Institute. Everett Fritz has been a featured speaker on EWTN, Catholic Answers Live, NCYC, Formed, and in dioceses, parishes, universities and schools all over the world. Everett Fritz founded Andrew Ministries in 2015 After throwing out the program playbook and rebuilding his youth ministry on discipleship small groups, Everett saw a 80% increase in students who stayed Catholic in college. Now he helps ministries all over the country stop spinning their wheels and build ministries that actually work.

Join us as we dive into Fr. Wade Menezes's powerful new devotional for men, packed with daily insights and practical advice. Discover how Scripture and saintly wisdom can equip you to tackle life's challenges, strengthen your faith, and live out your true purpose. Ready to elevate your spiritual journey? Tune in! Fr. Wade L. J. Menezes, CPM is a member of the Fathers of Mercy, a missionary preaching Religious Congregation based in Auburn, Kentucky. Ordained a priest during the Great Jubilee Year 2000, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Catholic Thought from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in Toronto, Canada and his dual Master of Arts and Master of Divinity Degrees in Theology from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut. His secular college degrees are in journalism and communications.

Join us as we sit down with Bob Lesnefsky, founder of Vagabond Missions, to uncover the stories behind his journey. From the streets of New York to cities across the U.S., Bob shares powerful insights on bringing faith, hope, and transformation to inner-city teens.

In 1974, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen expressed his intention to write a book on the demonic, but the project never materialized. Fr. Dave Tomaszycki, a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit and current priest-secretary to Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, took on the task of compiling and editing Sheen's intended work, using Sheen's own words to bring the vision to life.

Dr. Jemy Gatdula is the dean of the Institute of Law of the University of Asia and the Pacific and is a Philippine Judicial Academy lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence. He read international law at the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Pat Castle is the founder of Life Runners, the world's largest Pro-Life team with 24,200+ teammates who wear “Remember The Unborn” jerseys as a public witness in 3,500+ cities. Pat is an inspiring Pro-Life force through faith, activism, and education.

Thomas J. Nash is a Contributing Apologist and Speaker for Catholic Answers and a Contributing Blogger for the National Catholic Register. He is the author of What Did Jesus Do?: The Biblical Roots of the Catholic Church, The Biblical Roots of the Mass, To Whom Shall We Go?: The Biblical Case for the Catholic Church (Emmaus Road, 2024), and the Catholic Answers booklet 20 Answers: The Rosary. He has served the Catholic Church professionally for more than 35 years, including as a Theology Advisor for the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN).

Courtney Mares is a Rome Correspondent for Catholic News Agency. A graduate of Harvard University, she has reported from news bureaus on three continents and was awarded the Gardner Fellowship for her work with North Korean refugees. She is the author of “Blessed Carlo Acutis: A Saint in Sneakers.”

Meet Veronica Ferri from the Madonna House, a lay apostolate founded by Catherine Doherty in Canada.

Meet Victoria Fausto and Jeremiah Barker from the Madonna House, a lay apostolate founded by Catherine Doherty in Canada.

A former Air Force pilot, Rich May is a retired aerospace engineer by profession. He has a BA in Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston and an MA in theology from the Franciscan University in Steubenville Ohio. With an approbation from the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, he speaks locally and nationally. He has 35 years experience teaching catechesis at all levels and has authored several booklets. Currently he is teaching the youth how to courageously respond to the counter-culture.

Fr. Andrew Hofer, O.P. grew up as the youngest of ten children on a Kansas farm. He entered the Dominican Province of St. Joseph in 1995 and professed simple vows the following year. He made his profession of solemn vows in the Great Jubilee Year of 2000, and was ordained a deacon in 2001 and a priest in 2002. His assignments have included serving as a parochial vicar in Rhode Island, a missionary in Kenya, a doctoral student at the University of Notre Dame, a formator at the Dominican House of Studies, a member of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception, and a formator at St. Dominic Priory in Washington. Since the fall of 2021, he has been the editor of the journal The Thomist, for which he previously was book review editor.

Fr. Glenn is one of the eight founding members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, founded in the spring of 1987. The apostolic mission of the Community is to save the materially poor, especially the destitute and homeless. Presently, the Community has over 120 members and 15 friaries around the world. Father Glenn Sudano is from Brooklyn, and briefly pursued a career in television before entering the Capuchins in 1978 with the encouragement of Father Benedict Groeschel.

Fr. Mark speaks to Colleen McDanald, the Lady National President of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers. The Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers is a pious association intended for mothers, which has for its special object the promotion of the good Christian and Catholic education of their children. The members join their hearts in love with the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin, the Mother of Sorrows, and unite under her patronage in mutual prayer and solicitude for the welfare of their children and families.

We're heading to Indianapolis for the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years! Join Fr. Joseph and Fr. Mark for a conversation about the week's event, Eucharistic revival, Mother Angelica, and much more!

Fr. Joseph Tuscon was born in Columbus, OH, in 1967 and was raised in Canton, OH. He earned his Bachelor's degree in 1989 from Borromeo College Seminary. In 1990, he professed his first vows as a Capuchin Franciscan friar. Making his Perpetual vows in 1993, he went on to earn his Master's degree in theology in 1995 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1997. His first assignment after ordination was in Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific where he served for four years. Returning to the US in 2001, he has ministered in various capacities as a parochial vicar and pastor, as well as a military and hospital chaplain; he also served in our Province's Custody of Puerto Rico. He currently serves as the national director of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers and in full-time preaching ministry for the Capuchin Province of St. Augustine, offering retreats and reflection days for parishes, Religious and Priests.

Dr. John Finley is a professor at Thomas Aquinas College. He has authored several publications on philosophical anthropology, metaphysics, phenomenology, and Ancient and Medieval philosophy. Dr. Finley received his masters and doctorate in philosophy from the University of Dallas and his Bachelor of Arts from Thomas Aquinas College. In 2016 he was awarded a grant from the John Templeton Foundation to pursue collaborative research on the human person from the standpoints of science, medicine, philosophy, and theology. Dr. Finley is the co-author and editor of Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation

Mary Claire Kendall is a Washington-based writer, producer, TV and radio personality, and public speaker. In her book, “Oasis: Conversion Stories of Hollywood Legends” she highlights stories of recovery and conversion in the lives of Hollywood legends we know so well.

Megan Murphy carries the message of John Paul II's Theology of the Body to dioceses through marriage preparation and natural family planning classes, and numerous youth and young adult programs and retreats. Megan resides with her husband of 20 years, Neal, in Dunmore, PA where she homeschools their four beautiful daughters.

Jean Prather talks to Fr. Mark about Catholic Kids 101. See how it started and how it helps educate children on important matters of the faith in a fun and engaging way, especially a guided Eucharistic Holy Hour for children.

Catholic travel, or what we call pilgrimage, has been important in the life of Fr. Edward Looney. His first pilgrimage was with his parish on a local bus trip to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion when he was in eighth grade. Since then, he has boarded planes, rented cars, and traveled the world to see sites of Marian apparition, shrines of saints, and other spiritual sites and places along the way. Some of the places he visits are popular and attract many visitors. Others are hidden sites, off the beaten path. In Places of Grace, Fr. Looney recounts his experiences at shrines, chapels, monasteries, and graves, naming a grace he received from the Lord at each site. That grace will be different for each person.

Brendan McCauley was born and raised in Olympia, WA and currently resides in Nashville, TN where he is President & Co-Founder of Humanum Project, writer, and international speaker for the Theology of the Body Institute. He holds a Masters in Theological Studies for Marriage and Family from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute in Washington D.C. and is certified from the Theology of the Body Institute in Quarryville, PA. For the past six years, Brendan has been giving presentations to all ages on topics related to identity, two of which reached over 100,000 people from 160 countries online.

Fr. Kevin Peek is the parochial vicar at St. Monica in Duluth, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. He is also the airport chaplain at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport where he worked to open at 24/7 Eucharistic Chapel.

Kris McGregor is the founder of DiscerningHearts.com, an online resource for the best in contemporary Catholic spirituality.

Jess Echeverry is a women and family advocate, speaker, author and podcaster. She has survived parental divorce and alcoholism, as well as emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Her testimony includes dark times of physical and sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, years of homelessness, abortion, same sex attraction and two attempts at suicide. In 1997 she met the man she would eventually marry; this man would help her create an environment of authentic love that enabled her healing journey, her relationship with Jesus Christ and her eventual forgiveness and love for her attackers. She converted to Catholicism in 2008. Jess is the Founder and Executive Director of SOFESA, a 501c(3) non-profit ministry that has been accompanying Southern California homeless families since 1999.

Jacob Niemeier is the founder and executive director of Vera Aqua Vera Vita, an organization that works to bring life-giving clean water and sanitation solutions to those in need.

Bob Nowak joins Fr. Mark, after filming an episode of Life on the Rock, to discuss his missionary work at Brother House and the Legion of Mary. The charitable organizations focus on offering shelter and Christ to the needy.

Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse is the founder of the Ruth Institute, an interfaith international coalition to defend the family and build a Civilization of Love. Dr. Morse was a campaign spokeswoman for California's winning Proposition 8 campaign, defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman. She has authored or co-authored six books and spoken around the globe on marriage, family and human sexuality. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of Rochester and taught economics at Yale and George Mason Universities.

Renzo and Monica Ortega are Catholic ministry leaders, authors, speakers, and content creators. They host the popular marriage podcast, Two Become Family, and are co-authors of the children's devotional, Go To Joseph for Children. Renzo is also the author of the men's devotional, Go To Joseph. Their online marriage apostolate, Two Become Family, has been featured in the National Catholic Register and their conversion story has been featured in the documentary St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father. Renzo holds a MA in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. The Ortegas live in CT with their 5 children where they facilitate youth ministry and marriage prep ministry.

Kim moved to Ethiopia when she was 23 years old and by God's loving hand created Unforgotten Faces. UF is an organization dedicated to supporting impoverished children and single parents in Ethiopia for 17+ years!

Life Giving Sounds is a Catholic ministry to adult children or divorce or separation. They offer Christ-centered healing through retreats, support groups, community, spiritual formation, resources and more.

Anna Carter is the co-founder and president of Eden Invitation, a Catholic ministry that seeks to provide community, accompaniment and resources for people who experience same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria and who want to follow Christ and Catholic Church teaching. Growing up, her tenacious faith in Jesus predated awareness of her same sex desires. Her passion for catechesis and evangelization brought her to the Franciscan University of Steubenville, NET Ministries, and the high school classroom. She's passionate about helping the Church serve unmet needs and about helping her friends find good books to read.

Jeanne Mancini is the President of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. In this capacity she proudly directs the small non-profit organization committed to restoring a culture of life in the United States, most notably through the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Scott Hahn joins Fr. Mark to talk about how important it is to focus on the sacred mysteries of our Faith particularly why the Eucharist is a sacrifice.

Fr. Don Bosco Onyalla, a priest of the Diocese of Rumbek in South Sudan, is the head of EWTN News in Africa. ACI-Africa will be a Nairobi, Kenya-based Catholic news agency, publishing content in English, French and Portuguese. Fr. Don Bosco is a journalist who established and previously oversaw the Catholic News Agency For Africa (CANAA), a project of the African bishops conference. Onyalla's work has included producing websites, newsletters and social media updates for the bishops, as well as working with diocesan, national and regional episcopal communication directors throughout Africa.  He speaks English, French, and Swahili, as well as the local languages of Luhya and Dinka.

Fr. Gregory Pine, O.P. is a Dominican friar (Order of Friars Preachers) of the Province of Saint Joseph, which is located in the Northeastern portion of the United States. He s an instructor of dogmatic theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant Director of the Thomistic Institute in Washington, DC. Fr. Gregory is also a regular contributor to the popular podcasts Pints with Aquinas, Godsplaining, and The Thomistic Institute and has traveled widely to preach and teach the Catholic Faith.

Carrie Gress is a Fellow at the Washington, D.C. based think-tank, Ethics and Public Policy Center and a Scholar at the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University of America. In her latest book, “The End of Women: How Smashing the Patriarchy Destroyed Us,” she discuses how feminism has abolished women. Only a rediscovery of true womanhood—and motherhood—can pull our society back from the brink. And happiness is possible only if women are open to making peace with men, with children, with God, and—no less difficult—with themselves.

Joshua is devoted to building a culture in which each one can flourish in his/her personal vocation for building up the Body of Christ and sanctifying the world. He is the co-author with Luke Burgis of Unrepeatable: Cultivating the Unique Calling of Every Person (2018) and a contributing author to The Motivation Code (2020). Joshua is a leader in the field of narrative-based motivational assessment. For the last 20 years, he has applied his expertise in a variety of applications, including coaching, executive search, organizational development, and talent management. He is a certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. He is a co-developer of MCODE, the first on-line assessment that blends a person's own achievement stories with established psychometric constructs. In addition to serving as the Executive Director of the Inscape Center for Personal Vocation, Joshua serves as Director of Programming & Coaching at Franciscan University of Steubenville's Office of Personal Vocation. He co-founded The Center for Leadership at FUS, leads the freshmen seminar of CFL, Personal Vocation & Christ-Centered Leadership, and developed the Center's Vocation Coach Program. He has an MA & Ph.D. in Philosophy of the Human Person. He and his wife, Brooke, are joyfully Catholic, have six dear children and live in Steubenville, Ohio.

Ali Ghaffari is the founder and president of the Divine Mercy Academy located in the Severna Park-Pasadena, Maryland area. A recently retired naval officer whose career spanned 20 years, Ghaffari flew F/A-18 jets and also taught leadership classes at the United States Naval Academy. The Divine Mercy Academy offers a Classical Liberal Arts Education in the Catholic Tradition to children in Kindergarten through Eighth grade.