Power & Witness

As marriage rates plummet and "woke" ideologies fail to deliver on their promises, Pete Burak argues that the solution lies in the fundamental cell of society: the family. In this episode, Pete shares practical, hard-won lessons from 15 years of marriage, offering a roadmap for young people who are hesitant to say "I do."

In this wide-ranging and candid conversation, Marcel LeJeune (President of Catholic Missionary Disciples) joins Fr. Mark to tackle the "lonely island" of the modern priesthood and the stagnation of the average parish. Marcel pulls back the curtain on why young priests are burning out and why our strategic plans often gather dust in binders. Inside the Episode: 📌 THE PRIESTHOOD CRISIS: Why the jump from seminary to parish life is causing a spike in anxiety and cynicism—and how lay families can provide a "Bethany" of rest. 📌 THE MESSY WITNESS: Why your "crying" kids and the laundry on your couch are actually your best tools for evangelization. 📌 EVANGELIZING WITHOUT BEING "WEIRD": Why questions like "Tell me about the God you don't believe in" are more effective than any argument. 📌 PARISH RENEWAL: The secret to resolving staff conflict and why your parish "coffee shop" strategy might be failing. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Introduction: Marcel LeJeune and Missionary Disciples. 00:45 – The "Lonely Island" of the Priesthood. 05:30 – Creating "Bethany": Inviting Father into your domestic mess. 12:15 – Seminary vs. Reality: The culture shock of the newly ordained. 21:17 – "Land the Plane": The secret to effective homilies. 33:53 – God Has No Grandchildren: How family evangelizes. 40:30 – The Coffee Shop Strategy: Underhanded evangelization. 45:18 – Practical Tips: Asking the right questions to strangers. 51:27 – Closing: Just have the guts to try.

Dr. Stacy Trasancos, PhD chemist and Holy Apostles adjunct professor, shares her radical journey from atheism and materialism to Catholicism. Once viewing people as "complex atom systems," a desperate prayer led to conversion, marriage, sacraments—and reconciling science with faith through the Eucharist and reason. Discover why science was born from religion, how faith expands scientific horizons, and her fight against materialism in this powerful witness. Perfect for STEM believers, converts, or anyone exploring faith & science.

Former EWTN President Doug Keck joins Fr. Mark Mary on Power & Witness to explain why trust still matters in Catholic media amid scandals, digital chaos, and cultural doubt. He reflects on 30 years at EWTN, the rise of lay evangelization, young Catholics (especially men) seeking solid tradition, Mother Angelica’s legacy of bold faith and redemptive suffering, and the network’s role as a reliable touchstone today.

Fr. Mark talks with Fr. Will Straten of St. Mary’s Catholic Center at Texas A&M, one of the most vibrant and evangelizing campus ministries in the country. Fr. Will shares how students are formed as disciples, how small groups and missionaries impact campus life, and how worship, beauty, and community lead thousands of young people to Christ. A hopeful look at the future of the Church.

Catholic author and commentator Noelle Mering joins Fr. Mark Mary, MFVA, on Power & Witness to explore the renewal of faith and culture through truth, beauty, and authentic Christian witness. In this heartfelt and intellectually rich conversation, Noelle shares her journey of conversion and formation—from her California roots to studying philosophy and co-founding Theology of Home. She and Fr. Mark Mary discuss the modern crisis of identity, the call to live beautifully amid confusion, and how family life, faith, and friendship can rebuild a culture of grace.

Catholic speaker and evangelist Gabriel Castillo joins Fr. Mark Mary on Power & Witness to explore the fascinating history and spiritual power of the Rosary. From its hidden beginnings in the heart of Mary to St. Dominic’s revelation and the victory at Lepanto, Gabriel traces how this simple prayer became the Church’s spiritual “battering ram.” They also discuss Our Lady of Fatima, Marian apparitions, and the personal call to rediscover the Rosary as a path to holiness and conversion.

Why do we flee silence for constant busyness? And how can beauty draw us back to God? In this episode of Power & Witness, Fr. Mark speaks with Fr. Christopher Seith, priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC and Coordinator of Spiritual Formation at St. John Paul II Seminary. Together they explore the timeless insights of Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper on acedia (spiritual sloth), wonder, leisure, and beauty—and how these themes open us to reality as a gift and draw us deeper into God’s presence. If you’ve ever felt restless, distracted, or caught in endless activity, this conversation offers a path back to peace, joy, and authentic Christian living.

What does the Old Testament priesthood reveal about Christ? In this episode of the Catholic podcast Power & Witness, Fr. Mark speaks with Fr. Anthony Giambrone, OP, about how the priesthood in Scripture points to Jesus Christ, our true High Priest. From Melchizedek in Genesis to the Letter to the Hebrews, they explore how the Old Testament priesthood is fulfilled and transformed in Christ, and what that means for the Catholic priesthood today.

Join Fr. Mark and Immaculée Ilibagiza on Power and Witness as they explore the transformative power of forgiveness. Immaculée shares her harrowing experience during the Rwandan genocide, losing her family and finding peace through prayer and faith. Discover how she overcame hatred by embracing God's love, offering profound insights into letting go of anger and finding freedom in forgiveness. A moving testament to the strength of the human spirit and the grace of God. Listen now for an inspiring journey of healing and hope.

Join Fr. Mark for an inspiring episode of Power & Witness featuring Eve Rosemary, Catholic speaker and founder of The Everyday Saint. In this heartfelt conversation, Eve shares her deep devotion to saints like St. Rita, St. Therese, St. Clare, and St. Joseph, revealing how their stories of resilience, humility, and faith guide her life. She opens up about her personal health challenges and how the Eucharist became the cornerstone of her spiritual journey, offering solace and strength. Eve also discusses her work with youth, emphasizing the beauty, goodness, and truth of chastity, and shares a powerful story of a teen’s transformation through her ministry. From the miracles of Our Lady of Champion to practical tips for prayer and adoration, this episode invites listeners to embrace everyday holiness and trust in God’s love.

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.