Sparks of Mercy

My ABC's with Jesus by Mary Josephine

The Marian Fathers — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:30:18 -0400

Handing on the faith to the next generation is an enormous challenge these days. But why? And what can be done? Experienced catechist and author Mary Josephine shares what has guided her in spreading the faith, how her faith has shaped her life, and more. Author of the charming children’s book My ABC's with Jesus, she shares what’s led her to put her catechetical experience to work in print.

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33 Days to the Holy Family: Consecration to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, and Scott L. Smith, Jr.

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:01:07 -0400

It’s good to follow Jesus. It’s good to do Marian consecration. And many people are waking up to the value of devotion to St. Joseph. But what happens if you honor the Holy Family as a whole? Explore this and other profound insights into devotion to the Holy Family with Scott L. Smith, co-author with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, of a new consecration to the Holy Family from Marian Press.

True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Marian Fathers’ Classics Edition with commentary by Dr. Robert Stackpole

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:43:55 -0500

Our Lady is more important than ever in our troubled world. Fatima gives context to our times and prophetic direction; Marian consecration continues to renew the Church; the Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the United States; and the Immaculate Heart’s Triumph continues to approach. But why does Our Lady have such a special place in the Catholic faith? How do we live this devotion well? Dr. Robert Stackpole explains.

After the Jubilee: Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope: Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope with Mary by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

The Marian Fathers — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:12:49 -0500

The Jubilee of Hope has ended, but we need hope now more than ever. Internationally best-selling author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle discusses where we can look for hope in the days and years to come, and how Our Lady, “Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope,” is always ready to assist us in every need. Drawing from the insights and perennially wise counsel in her book Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope: Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope with Mary, Donna-Marie shows us the Marian path before us.

Sacred Wine: The Holy History and Heritage of Catholic Vintners by Emily Stimpson Chapman

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:53:48 -0500

Wherever Catholics live, there will be wine-making, because there will need to be the Eucharist. That truth has given rise to many monasteries and other centers of the Catholic faith with vineyards attached and impressive cellars, some setting the world standard for both holiness and wine-making. In this wide-ranging conversation, Catholic author, homemaker, and wife and mother Emily Stimpson Chapman explores why food and drink are so central to the Catholic faith, as well as to our ordinary lives in this beautiful, wounded world.

Part 4: Mystical Life/Fall, 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy with Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

The Marian Fathers — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:55:55 -0500

The Mystical Life is, in many ways, the harvest of the soul, the full fruition of every other part of our Catholic life. But what does that mean? Is that really something ordinary Catholics will ever experience? Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle explains in this wide-ranging conversation, sharing insights gleaned from her research into the life of St. Faustina and her friendship with Mother Teresa.

Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC

The Marian Fathers — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 14:46:55 -0400

Our Lady at Fatima asked the visionaries and all of us to pray the Rosary daily for peace in the world. But why? What is so relevant to today about a devotion as well-established and traditional as the Rosary? Rosary expert Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, addresses this and much, much more, as we discuss his classic work Champions of the Rosary: The History and Heroes of a Spiritual Weapon.

Part 3: Interior Life/Summer, 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy with Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

The Marian Fathers — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:47:04 -0400

Every Christian needs to be developing their “interior life”--but what is the interior life? Why is it so important? And how do we tend to it, like a garden in midsummer? Best-selling author and EWTN host Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle offers us answers, insights, and more as she discusses the third section of her classic work of Faustinian spirituality 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy.

Healing Encounters with Mary: A Guide to Living the Mysteries of the Rosary by Maria V. Gallagher

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:24:45 -0400

Meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary can offer us healing and hope – how? Maria V. Gallagher speaks from experience, having borne some heavy crosses in her life and found great hope, healing, and strength in our Lord’s Passion and Our Lady’s Sorrows. Here she speaks making our suffering redemptive, a means of grace for ourselves, our neighbors, and the whole world.

Virtues of the Saints: 15 Heavenly Habits for Children with Patrick O’Hearn

The Marian Fathers — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:41:36 -0400

“Virtue” sounds like such an old-fashioned term, and yet it’s more relevant and necessary than ever. In a hopeful, inspiring conversation, Marian Press author Patrick O'Hearn explains how virtue remains in the core of the Christian life, and demonstrates that the saints want to help us develop the virtues of a Christian, even in this incredibly challenging modern world.

Part 2: Merciful Life/Spring, 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy with Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

The Marian Fathers — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:15:19 -0400

Pope Benedict XVI famously taught, “Mercy is the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the Face with which he revealed himself in the Old Covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love.” Marian Press author and international speaker Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle helps us understand how to live a merciful life, guided by the mystical and practical wisdom of St. Faustina Kowalska, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and Pope Leo XIV.

“Holier Matrimony: Married Saints, Catholic Vows, and Sacramental Grace” with Caitrin Bennett

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:16:43 -0400

Sometimes, it seems like lifelong Catholic marriage is impossible in this crazy modern world we live in. But the Church and the saints prove that, by the grace of God, there’s another way, that faithful, fruitful, loving marriages are just as possible as they’ve ever been, says Caitrin Bennett, Catholic wife, mother, and author of Holier Matrimony.

The Cross: A Universal Symbol

The Marian Fathers — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:04:57 -0400

The Cross stands for the Christian religion in many minds, but it wasn't always so. Marian Press author Dr. Helen Hoffner explores the history and variety of crosses across the ages in her lavishly illustrated The Cross: A Universal Symbol. In this interview, she shares the fruits of her research, and of her life-long Catholic faith.

Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope: Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope with Mary Part II

The Marian Fathers — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:01:00 -0500

Our Lady was there for our Lord during His earthly life. Did you know she’s been there in a similar way for the Church the entirety of her history through apparitions and private revelation? What is private revelation? Why does Mary give us so much hope? Marian Press author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle discusses all this and more.

"Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope: Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope with Mary" with Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:57:10 -0500

Welcome to the ordinary Jubilee of Hope! But what does that mean? Why did the Holy Father decide to have “hope” front and center in the life of the Church? And how does Our Lady figure into all of this? Marian Press author Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle discusses all this and more. Order "Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope: Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope with Mary" by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle on ShopMercy.org.

Part 1: Ordinary Life/Winter, 52 Weeks with Saint Faustina: A Year of Grace and Mercy

The Marian Fathers — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Most of us spend the majority of our lives doing ordinary things day after day–yet we are all called to holiness. What does finding grace in the ordinary things of life look like? In this wide-ranging, deeply informative conversation, Marian Press author and EWTN host Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle discusses what a grace-filled ordinary life looks like, according to the model of the saints, and what we can do to make the ordinary truly, extraordinarily grace-filled.

The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion

The Marian Fathers — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 01:00:00 -0500

The booklet The Divine Mercy Message and Devotion is an international bestseller and a classic explanation of the Divine Mercy as given through St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938). Vinny Flynn was one of its editors. In a wide-ranging conversation, Vinny shares recollections of working with the late, great Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, to spread the good news of God’s mercy to the entire world.

The Saint I Knew! Exciting "Encounters" with Holiness

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Many people today think of the saints as historical figures who have had legends told about them, but doubt such sanctity is possible, especially today. Kevin Wilson proves otherwise in his new book, putting the reader into imaginary encounters with real life, 20th century saints. In this interview, Wilson discusses why saints matter, his favorite of the saints he’s featured, and why every Catholic should be aiming for sainthood.

Glorious Encounters With Mary: A Guide To Living The Mysteries Of The Rosary

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 01:00:00 -0400

The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary are beautiful — but what can they possibly have to do with our ordinary lives, or even our hardships on earth? Maria Gallagher offers answers, drawing on her own experience and the realities of her work in the pro-life cause.

Divine Mercy In Our Souls: Thoughts Of St. Faustina

The Marian Fathers — Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

For many people, enduring the suffering and death of a loved one can challenge their faith or lead them away from God. For Fr. James Cervantes, MIC, the loss of his teenage brother to cancer led him instead to God, St. Faustina, and the Divine Mercy message and devotion. In this powerful interview, he shares what St. Faustina’s writings said to him, and how they can say the same thing to you.

The Bread Of Life: Renewing Your Devotion To The Sacrament Of Mercy, The Holy Eucharist

The Marian Fathers — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

What do Catholics believe about the Eucharist? Why? What evidence is there for the truth of Catholic belief in the Eucharist? One of the official Eucharistic preachers assigned by the current national revival, Fr. Andy Davy, MIC, addresses many common questions, misconceptions, or misunderstanding about the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine.

Defend Us in Battle: The Promises of St. Michael and the Heavenly Angels

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 11:23:28 -0400

Angels. In many people’s minds, they’re a New Age phenomenon, one that rational people ignore. But the true history of Christian history tells us a very different story, as Marge Steinhage Fenelon explains in her new book exploring a powerful devotion: the St. Michael Chaplet. In this wide-ranging conversation, Fenelon discusses the existence, roles, and importance of the angels for all of us as we live our Christian faith in these difficult times.

Mercy's Gaze: 100 Readings from Scripture & the Diary of St. Faustina

The Marian Fathers — Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Growing up near the Marian Fathers on Eden Hill, Vinny Flynn was influenced by their proclamation of Divine Mercy from an early age. His later service leading their Editorial Department, helping edit the English-language edition of the Diary of St. Faustina, and helping create some of the best-known Divine Mercy publications (such as the Divine Mercy Message and Devotion booklet) prepared him to craft Mercy’s Gaze, a powerful aid to prayer before Jesus in the Divine Mercy Image and in Eucharistic Adoration.

Get yourself a copy of Mercy's Gaze on ShopMercy.org!

"Diary Of A Future Saint: Faustina's Incredible Journey" with Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

The Marian Fathers — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The closer you get to Jesus Christ, the more you have to offer everyone, whether young or old, male or female, rich or poor. That’s why Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, author of Diary of a Future Saint: Faustina’s Incredible Journey, wrote a book for everyone about the Secretary and Apostle of the Divine Mercy. In this interview, she discusses why this book and this saint is so important for us in these very dark times.

"The Order of Malta Minutes with the Catechism" with Peggy Stanton

The Marian Fathers — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:33:38 -0500

It takes a special grace for an author to summarize and share the teachings of Catechism of the Catholic Church, let alone to make reading those teachings easy and enjoyable. And yet Dame of Malta and radio host Peggy Stanton has done it, in the recently released The Order of Malta Minutes with the Catechism: A Pocket Guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In this episode of Sparks of Mercy, she shares why she wrote it, how to use it, and what insights from the Catechism she thinks the world needs to hear.

"The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph: A Graphic Novel" with Illustrator Sam Estrada

The Marian Fathers — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Graphic designer Sam Estrada came from a Catholic family, but it took encountering the lives of the saints to draw him deeply into his faith. That love of the saints helped inspire his work illustrating Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC’s graphic novel The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph. In this interview, Sam shares about his faith, his work with Fr. Calloway, and the importance of St. Joseph for all of us Catholics today.

"At the Bedside of the Sick and Dying" with Dr. Bryan Thatcher

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:52:24 -0500

We can make a difference to the eternal destiny of our friends, family, and loved ones if only we pray for them now and at the hour of their death, explains Dr. Bryan Thatcher, founder of the Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy. Discussing At the Bedside of the Sick and Dying: A Guide for Parish Ministry, Family, and Friends, a booklet he coauthored with Kathleen Wabick, foundress of the Disciples of Divine Mercy in the Holy Face of Jesus, Dr. Thatcher shares profound wisdom and practical advice straight from St. Faustina’s Diary and his own experience.

"Fatima: A Pilgrimage with Mary" with Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 17:17:20 -0400

Our Lady of Fatima called him back to the full practice of his faith, to a priestly vocation, and to the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Now, the Most Rev. Joseph Roesch, MIC, is the Superior General of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception and author of Fatima: A Pilgrimage with Mary. In this interview, he shares thoughts on the message of Fatima, the importance of devotion to the Immaculate Heart, and much, much more.

"Through Esther's Eyes" with Jacqueline St. Clare

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:01:05 -0400

What would it have been like living in the days of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry? Jacqueline St. Clare asked herself that question, and Esther’s Eyes: A Novel is the result. In this interview, Jacqueline talks about her preparation to write this ambitious book, including her education, visits to the Holy Land, and how she invites us to see the Holy Family through the fictional Esther’s eyes.

"The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones" with Illustrator Allison Hsu

The Marian Fathers — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:47:37 -0400

Illustrator Allison Hsu brings the Gospel to life in The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones. In this interview, Hsu, a pediatrician, wife, and mother of three talks about her walk with the Lord. She discusses how her experience caring for children both as a healthcare professional and as a Catholic mom helped inspire and guide her work, and how art and evangelization go together.

"The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph: A Graphic Novel" with Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 11:35:41 -0400

In the midst of the culture of death and the many challenges facing our Church and our families in the world today, we need St. Joseph’s witness to faith, family, sanctity, and justice more than ever. That’s why Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, has just released his new book The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph: A Graphic Novel. In this interview, he discusses the intercession of St. Joseph, how the earthly adoptive father of Jesus shows us what being a Christian really looks like, and more!

"Mercy's Power: Inspiration to Serve the Gospel of Life" with Maria V. Gallagher

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:19:39 -0400

Roe v. Wade is gone, and yet the culture of death remains. Pro-life leader Maria V. Gallagher, author of the newly released Mercy’s Power: Inspiration to Serve the Gospel of Life, offers insights into how to bring about a culture of life, help the victims of the culture of death, and much, much more.

"The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones" with Sara Beth Meyer

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 23 May 2023 16:04:38 -0400

In the chaos and confusion of pandemic lockdown, Sara Beth Meyer found consolation in the Gospels. From that came The Gospel of Matthew for Little Ones, a poetic summation and retelling of the Gospel, scrupulously orthodox and highly readable. In this conversation, Meyer shares her thoughts on raising Catholic kids, evangelizing across generations, and much more.

"The Way of Mercy: Pilgrimage in Catholic Poland" with Stephen J. Binz

The Marian Fathers — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Poland has given the Church many saints, including the Great Mercy Pope (John Paul II) and the Secretary and Apostle of Divine Mercy (Faustina Kowalska). Author and pilgrimage leader Stephen Binz discusses these saints and Poland’s rich Catholic heritage in this interview about his new Marian Press book The Way of Mercy: Pilgrimage in Catholic Poland.

"God's Amazing Mercy: Meditations by St. Faustina's Confessor and Spiritual Director" with Dr. Robert Stackpole

The Marian Fathers — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Who was Blessed Michael Sopocko? What connects him to St. Faustina? And why is God’s Amazing Mercy, the new edition of a classic work by Bl. Sopocko, so important to understanding the Divine Mercy message and devotion? Divine Mercy expert Dr. Robert Stackpole, director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy and editor of this new book, explains.

"Blessed Hanna Chrzanowska, RN: A Nurse of Mercy" by Dr. Gosia Brykczyńska

The Marian Fathers — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:13:47 -0500

The first registered nurse to be beatified, Bl. Hanna Chrzanowska was a collaborator with St. John Paul II, endured WWII and the oppression of the Communists in Poland, and is a model for Catholics today. Biographer Dr. Gosia Brykczynska shares what led her to write about Bl. Hanna, the miracle that sealed the beatification, and how this holy healthcare professional teaches us about sanctity and suffering.

"Divine Mercy: A Guide from Genesis to Pope Benedict XVI" with Dr. Robert Stackpole

The Marian Fathers — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:39:55 -0500

Produced from the grounds of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, Sparks of Mercy is a conversation about books, words, and God’s Word given to us through the Bible, Catholic Tradition, and the created order. Marian Press senior books editor Christopher Sparks interviews authors, readers, and just plain faithful folks in order to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to us today. To order Marian Press publications visit ShopMercy.org.

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