Power & Witness

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.

Fr. John Maria Devaney, OP is a Dominican Friar of the Province of St. Joseph currently serving in Hanover, NH at St. Dennis Parish and Aquinas House Catholic Ministry at Dartmouth College. He talks to Fr. Mark about the recent retreat that he gave to a group of Dominican Nuns based on the writings of Fr. Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, OP, a French Dominican friar, philosopher and theologian.

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle is a well-known Catholic author of more than thirty books, international speaker, EWTN television host, and retreat leader. She is passionate about sharing the Faith and has taught it for almost thirty years. In her most recent book, “Diary of a Future Saint,” Donna-Marie presents the life of St. Faustina in a page-turning novel for all ages.

Dr. Christine Schintgen is the president of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College where she also teaches literature. Her current interests include Dickens, Dante, and the relationship between faith and literature. She also writes poetry. Christine and her husband Michael live in Barry's Bay with their three children.

Fr. Augustine Wetta is the author of Pray. Think. Act. , The Eighth Arrow and Humility Rules. He is a monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he teaches high school and coaches rugby. He has degrees from Oxford University, Rice University, and Middlebury College. Father Augustine grew up on a tropical island, where he learned to surf and was nearly eaten by a shark. He has also worked as a professional juggler, beach patrol lifeguard and archaeologist. During his spare time, he raises carnivorous plants, carpenter ants, and makes armor.

After a life changing encounter with Jesus after an ordinary daily mass 10 years ago, Ruthie has continually sought ways to grow deeper in her relationship with Him. The best way she’s found is through relationship with His mother, Mary. “Mary and the Saints” is a two volume Marian consecration preparation book, a journey with saints and other holy men and women as they teach us about the important role Mary wants to play in our lives.

Corrinne May is one of Singapore’s most celebrated singer-songwriters. Her best-selling album, 2007’s ‘Beautiful Seed’ was certified platinum in Singapore and her newest album, 2012’s ‘Crooked Lines’ topped the charts in Singapore and attained gold certification within its first month of release. Corrinne has built her career on writing “uplifting songs of hope”. She travels the world for her music, frequently jetting between her two homes of Singapore and Los Angeles, with her musician husband Kavin and 7-year old daughter, Claire.

Jonathan Blevins is a popular online gamer who incorporates the Gospel into his Twitch channel BeardedBlevins, a new media endeavor that seeks to find the good in gaming.

Aidan Gallagher, director of EWTN Ireland, discusses Irish Catholic spirituality and how the network unites and inspires countless souls through engaging programming and a dedicated team.

Dr. Donald Wallenfang, OCDS, is a Secular Discalced Carmelite, author, and Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He specializes in phenomenology, hermeneutics, metaphysics and philosophical theology. His research concentrates on the work of Edith Stein (St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross), Emmanuel Levinas, Paul Ricoeur, Jean-Luc Marion, and Carmelite Spirituality.

Fr. Ken Geraci, CPM, lived the life of the prodigal son for most of his young adult life. Raised in a nominally Catholic family, who only lived the externals of the faith, Fr. Ken left the Catholic Church for many years. Focused on money, fitness, and success, he made little room for God; but God did not give up on him. Through a series of conversions, years of struggle, study and questioning, Fr. Ken found his way from agnosticism, to non-denominational Christianity, and ultimately back to the Catholic Church. Fr. Ken joined the Fathers of Mercy in 2006 and was ordained in 2012.

Mother Clare, CFR is the General Servant (Superior) of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. Father Mark and Mother engage in a conversation about her personal vocation story.

Monsignor Arthur B. Calkins is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. His articles on Mariology and spirituality have appeared in both popular and scholarly publications as well as in the acts of congresses and symposia.

Paul George is a renowned Catholic speaker, author, podcaster and retreat leader. He talks to Fr. Mark about tough issues facing men today—struggles in marriage, parenting, suffering, and finding purpose.

Crystalina Evert, Catholic author and speaker, joins Fr. Mark to talk about her new initiative, “Women Made New.” Every week, in a new EWTN Series, Crystalina delves into the raw and challenging topics that women grapple with in their spiritual journey. She and her guests remind everyone healing is possible and that it’s never too late to start over.

During his conversation with Fr. Mark, Jason Simon, the President of The Evangelical Catholic, shared about his personal journey to Catholicism and his mission to empower and assist leaders in launching impactful evangelization movements within their own communities. Through his work with The Evangelical Catholic, Jason is equipping laypeople to lead on the front lines of evangelization, bringing the light of the Gospel to the world.

Ivonne Ream is an experienced and certified life and marriage coach. She also serves as the Spanish Director of the Alexander House, a renowned center for fostering hope and healing in marriages and relationships.

Cameron Fradd is the founder of Among the Lilies, a podcast for woman “who are tired of pretending and ready to be real!” She speaks weekly to a growing community of women about being authentic and real. She spends most of her time raising and homeschooling her four beautiful, energetic children in Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Matt Fradd.

Souls are leaving the Church. What is the one most crucial thing to provide deeper roots in the next generation of Catholics? Kevin Roerty, director of Souls of the Christian Apostolate, discusses his organization’s efforts to form lay apostles, promote mental prayer and foster renewal in the next generation of the Church.

Tony Manfredonia is a Michigan-based singer-songwriter and composer. His work has been performed worldwide by renowned ensembles such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, the Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra (WMGSO), and more. Through his music, Tony is transparent about the ups and downs of his own life journey. After receiving funding on Kickstarter in just 48 hours, his latest concept album-in-progress, ANCHORED, delves into the true story of a miraculous redemption in his marriage after he and his wife experienced a near-fallout.

Prepare to be inspired as Abbot Moses takes us on a journey from his beginnings as a chef to his current role as a newly elected Byzantine abbot at Holy Resurrection Monastery in Wisconsin. In a fascinating conversation with Fr. Mark, he shares insights into the spirituality of Eastern Catholic Monasticism. Through their discussion, you'll discover the unique practices that guide the daily lives of these devoted monks and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and wisdom of the Byzantine tradition.

Mother Clare, CFR is the General Servant (Superior) of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal. She was born in Germany and spent her childhood moving from base to base with her family, as her father was serving in the U.S. Military. She attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio where she studied theology and history. Mother Clare has been a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal since 1998. The two-fold apostolic mission of the community is hands-on work with the poor and evangelization. Fr. Mark recently traveled with Mother Clare to Ethiopia on one of the many mission trips she has organized to the country.

Abba Michael is an Ethiopian Franciscan Priest (Capuchin) Serving in diocese of Harare.

Paul Johannes Nis talk to us about his conversion, his work in Norway with EWTN, and reflecting on modern society.

Fr. Timothy Gallagher helps us understand St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Rules for Discernment and how their insights are invaluable for our spiritual growth today. He also discusses the Exam Prayer as well as Spiritual Consolation/Desolation.

Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt is a priest for the Salina Diocese and currently serving as the Chaplain for St. Isidore's Catholic Student Center at Kansas State University. He is also the founder of Prayer & Action, a ministry that inspires teens to encounter Christ and serve those in need.

Fr. Mark talks to Sr. Annamarie Mix at the Museum of St. Maximilian Kolbe located in Niepokalanów monastery in central Poland. Tour this fascinating museum and and discuss the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe. (Due to technical difficulties the first 35 minutes of audio is poor quality)

Emily Albrecht from the pro-life organization Equal Rights Institute speaks about the ministry of reaching young people and changing hearts about abortion.

Rome Boys is a Catholic Show with Tony the Theologian (Cradle Catholic), Chris the Entrepreneur (Convert) and Joe the Farmer (Revert) as your hosts. They take a topic and discuss it from three different perspectives. Tony has a BA and MA in Theology and taught Theology for 11 years. Chris has had success in a variety of jobs throughout his career. (Gold's Gym, UPS, Nursing Home Admin, etc..) He teaches RCIA and has been a DRE/Youth Minister. Joe has farmed most of his life, teaches CCD/RCIA, is our tech guy and is a natural comedian. Tony is married with 7 children. Chris is married with 6 children. Joe is married with 5 children.

Rhonda Gruenewald is the founder of Vocation Ministry. She has trained thousands of priests and laity, representing over 4,000 parishes and 50 schools in over 50 dioceses on how to create a culture of vocations so that men and women can more easily answer God’s call.

An in depth conversation with Catholic filmmaker and Christendom College student, John Paul Gutschke. Fr. Mark asks about his latest work and his philosophy of communication through film.

Fr. Barry Braum recently served as retreat master for the MFVA friars annual community retreat. He talks about the relationship between Scripture and the Eucharist, the subject matter of the retreat. Fr. Braum was ordained a priest in the French diocese of Frejus-Toulon. Following his ordination Fr. Braum served as a retreat director in Long Island NY at the Eucharistic Retreat Center in the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception. While living there he directed Eucharistic retreats for priests, religious communities and the laity. In addition to these silent retreats he has also given many Eucharistic parish missions across Europe, Australia, Africa and throughout the United States. Fr. Braum is currently working on his doctoral dissertation through the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, while also serving as chaplain to the Tyburn convent in London. Prior to entering seminary, Fr. Braum studied and worked as an artist and graphic designer with a focus on oil, acrylic and digital mediums.

Sr. Mary Anthony of the Sister Servants of the Eternal Word talks to us about humility and Jesus, the model of humility.

Ashley Piche is the executive director of of Creatio, an organization that helps people encounter the beauty of creation and the Creator through service to the poor, mission trips, outdoor adventure and care for creation. Prior to joining Creatio, she led a 15-year career in education working to ensure that children in high poverty neighborhoods – specifically in Washington, DC and rural Colorado - have access to high-quality educational opportunities. She also talks to us about her conversion to Catholicism.

Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, international speaker and bestselling author, talks to Fr. Mark about his new book, “Our Life of Service: The Handbook for Catholic Deacons,” providing the spiritual and practical support for Catholic Deacons in the world today.

Sr. Briege McKenna, O.S.C was born in Ireland and entered the Sisters of St. Clare at the age of fifteen. Following her final vows and after suffering for more than three years with rheumatoid arthritis, she was transferred to her community in Tampa, Florida with the hope that the Florida sunshine would relieve her suffering. At the age of twenty-four, she was miraculously and instantaneously healed during the celebration of the Eucharist and some time later received, in prayer, the gift of healing for which she has become so widely known. In 1974, again during prayer, she was given a deep spiritual insight into the mystery of the call to priesthood. Since then, bishops and priests in many parts of the world have invited her to speak and minister at their retreats and conferences. Sr. Briege ministered to priests in collaboration with Fr. Kevin Scallon, CM for over forty-two years until his death in June 2018. She now continues with this ministry.

Fr. Stu Long, is the boxer-turned-priest, portrayed in the new film starring Mark Wahlberg and Mel Gibson. Fr. Mark speaks with Fr. Bart Tollenson, a brother priest of Fr. Stu in the Diocese of Helena, MT, and Fr. Stu’s younger sister, Amy Tisdale.

Marco Saccaggi is the Southeast Coordinator for Communion & Liberation, an ecclesial movement in the Catholic Church founded by Fr. Luigi Giussani.