Arena Ablaze Podcast

About Arena Ablaze Podcast

Arena Ablaze comes from Luke 12:49-51. “I have come to bring fire down to the earth. I wish it were already ablazing! I have a baptism to go through. How troubled I am until it is over! Do you think I came to bring peace on the earth? I tell you, no! I came to divide."

Publisher

Marco Sandoval

Category

religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Jul 2026

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Why the Holy Face Devotion Needs Community | Father Carney

   Why did the Church call members of the Holy Face devotion to gather together every month? In this episode of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval sits down with Father Carney to continue their journey through the original 1885 Manual of the Arch-confraternity to the Holy Face. Father Carney explains how Pope Leo XIII expanded the indulgences connected to the confraternity and specifically encouraged members to attend monthly meetings. He discusses why gathering face-to-face for prayer, fellowship and conversation remains essential and why this important part of the devotion has largely disappeared today. The conversation explores what is needed to begin a local Holy Face group, how monthly meetings can strengthen members in their mission and why praying together can inspire practical action for Christ and His Church. Father Carney also introduces Father Janvier, the French cathedral canon who helped establish the confraternity in Tours, and explains why Tours became the spiritual home of the Holy Face devotion. From St. Martin of Tours and Venerable Leo Dupont to Sister Marie of St. Peter, the city holds a remarkable place in Catholic history. The episode concludes with Father Carney’s call for priests to become apostolic missionaries again, spreading devotion to the Holy Face and leading souls more deeply toward Jesus Christ. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney, visit: https://www.martinians.org/ For books by Father Carney, visit: https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5 Shop for the Lorraine crosses: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts Shop for Deliverance Prayers: https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx Shop for Catholic Flags: https://tradflags.com/

2. 

   15 Oct 2026

   The Holy Face Mission Across Europe | Father Carney

   Father Carney returns to Arena Ablaze after a whirlwind mission through England, France and Ireland, spreading devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus and witnessing the enduring strength of the Catholic faith across Europe. Father Carney shares how he delivered seven talks in five days across England, including a presentation at the historic Brompton Oratory. He then traveled to Tours, France, to meet with the new director of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face and encourage those working to preserve the birthplace of this powerful devotion. The journey continued through Ireland, where Father Carney visited Knock, Dublin, Belfast and other communities across the country. He reflects on Ireland’s centuries of persecution, the faith of its people and the remarkable history of the Irish Confraternity of the Holy Face. Marco and Father Carney also discuss Our Lady of Knock, the Rosary as the Bible of the Irish people, Catholic nobility and the belief that devotion to the Holy Face is helping unite the clans across nations and cultures. The conversation turns to Father Carney’s upcoming book about meekness, a forgotten virtue that can restrain destructive anger and become a powerful weapon in the spiritual battles ahead. The episode concludes with details about the Holy Face Conference, including Solemn High Mass, prayer, processions and teachings designed to draw Catholics deeper into reverence, reparation and devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney, visit: https://www.martinians.org/ (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney, visit: https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5 (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop for the Lorraine crosses: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts) Shop for Deliverance Prayers: https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx (https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx) Shop for Catholic Flags: https://tradflags.com/ (https://tradflags.com/)

3. 

   8 Oct 2026

   The Holy Face Devotion That Will Last Until the End of Time | Father Carney

   How did devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus receive the official approval of Pope Leo XIII and become an archconfraternity of the Catholic Church? Father Carney returns to Arena Ablaze for the third installment in his exploration of the Manual of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face. In this episode, he explains how the devotion reached Pope Leo XIII in 1884 and received papal approval, indulgences and an important place in the public devotional life of the Church. Marco and Father Carney discuss what a confraternity is, how lay Catholics can unite in prayer and reparation and what separates a private devotion from a devotion officially recognized by the Church. Father Carney also explains plenary indulgences, purgatory and the difference between receiving forgiveness for sin and making satisfaction for its consequences. Using a simple broken-window analogy, he describes how the merits of Jesus Christ are applied to souls through the authority of the Church. The conversation also examines the remarkable legacy of Pope Leo XIII, one of the longest-reigning popes, the first pope captured on motion-picture film and a great promoter of the Rosary and the Holy Face of Jesus. According to Father Carney, Pope Leo XIII elevated the Holy Face confraternity almost immediately, establishing an arch-confraternity that would remain part of the Church permanently. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney, visit: https://www.martinians.org/ (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney, visit: https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5 (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop for the Lorraine crosses: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts) Shop for Deliverance Prayers: https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx (https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx) Shop for Catholic Flags: https://tradflags.com/ (https://tradflags.com/)

4. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Make Haste: Finding Mary in All Throughout the Bible

   What can Mary’s response to God teach us about recognizing His call and acting without hesitation? In Episode 14 of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval continues his journey through Mary’s role in Scripture, moving from the Visitation to the Nativity and the arrival of the shepherds in Bethlehem. Throughout these passages, one phrase continually stands out: “make haste.” Mary makes haste to serve Elizabeth, and the shepherds make haste to find Jesus. Marco reflects on how their example challenges us to respond when God invites us into a deeper relationship with Him. The episode also addresses common questions about Mary’s perpetual virginity and the Immaculate Conception. Marco explains why Catholics call Mary the Ark of the New Covenant and how Jesus entrusted her to St. John, and ultimately to all believers, from the cross. Marco also explores the biblical foundation of the Hail Mary, the Magnificat, the First Saturday devotion, Our Lady of Sorrows and the way the Rosary leads us into the life, suffering and love of Jesus Christ. From John the Baptist leaping in Elizabeth’s womb to Jesus being placed in a manger, these passages reveal Mary as a humble servant who carries Christ to others, keeps God’s mysteries in her heart and continually leads us closer to her Son. When God calls, will we hesitate, or will we make haste? Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop for the Lorraine crosses (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts) Shop for Deliverance Prayers (https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx) Shop for Catholic Flags (https://tradflags.com/)

5. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Who Is Mary? The New Eve and Ark of the New Covenant

   Who is the Blessed Virgin Mary, and why does she matter so deeply in the spiritual life of a Catholic man? In Episode 13 of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval shares his personal journey toward understanding and loving Mary. He explains how the 33 Day Consecration to Jesus through Mary opened his heart, strengthened his relationship with Christ and helped him recognize Mary throughout Scripture. Beginning in Genesis and continuing through the Annunciation and Revelation, Marco explores Mary as the New Eve, the Ark of the New Covenant, the woman who stands against the serpent and the mother given to all Christians through Jesus Christ. He also discusses the Immaculate Conception, the prayers of St. Monica, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima and Mary’s perfect example of humility and obedience. Her response to God was not to demand why, but to ask how she could serve His will. This episode offers a layman’s personal witness to Marian devotion and explains why honoring Mary never draws us away from Jesus. Instead, she continually leads us closer to her Son. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop for the Lorraine crosses (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts) Shop for Deliverance Prayers (https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx) Shop for Catholic Flags (https://tradflags.com/)

6. 

   17 Sept 2026

   How Catholic Men Fight Back Under Spiritual Attack

   What should a Catholic man do when spiritual attacks strike his marriage, family, work, and closest relationships? In this solo episode of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval speaks candidly about a spiritual battle he is facing and the lessons it has reinforced in his life. He examines how the enemy works through temptation, emotion, division, obsession, and oppression, and why Christian men must learn to recognize these attacks without allowing fear or anger to take control. Marco also shares the spiritual weapons he turns to in times of trial: the Rosary, confession, Eucharistic Adoration, fasting, Holy Mass, sacramentals, deliverance prayers, and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel. This episode is a call for Catholic men to remain in a state of grace, protect their families, pray for those who have fallen away, and continue doing the Lord’s work even when the battle intensifies. Please pray for Marco, Father Carney, the Men in Blue Army, and the continued growth and protection of the Holy Face mission. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop for the Lorraine crosses (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts) Shop for Deliverance Prayers (https://shop.catholicsupply.com/deliverance-prayers-for-use-by-the-laity.aspx) Shop for Catholic Flags (https://tradflags.com/) 0:00 A Call to Spiritual Arms 2:33 Navigating the Raw Reality of Attack 5:45 Understanding the Enemy's Tactics 7:06 The Sixth Commandment as a Gateway 10:38 Infestation and Diabolic Influence 18:40 The Rosary as a Spiritual Weapon 31:08 Lessons from the Flight to Egypt

7. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Building an Army of Catholic Men, Why Arena Ablaze Exists

   In Episode 11 of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers look back at the podcast so far, revisit the lessons that have impacted them most and explain the larger mission behind these conversations. Arena Ablaze is a call for men to move beyond a faith that exists only in the head and allow it to transform the heart. Marco and Todd discuss Marian consecration, the Holy Face of Jesus, the power of prayer, suffering, brotherhood, virtue and the need for men who are willing to put their faith into action. They reflect on lessons from previous guests, including Father Carney, Father Bernie Georges and Bob Powers, while discussing the Sacred Heart, public processions, the Rosary, Catholic masculinity and the importance of recognizing the opportunities God places before us. The goal is to build an army of men consecrated to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These are ordinary men who are willing to enter the arena, sharpen one another and carry the Holy Face of Jesus into the spiritual battle raging around us. Marco and Todd also explain the meaning behind “Sons of Muck,” why men need honest conversations and how suffering can strip away pride, distractions and attachments so that God can reveal our identity and mission. If you are interested in joining other men for the 33 Day Marian Consecration, leave a comment and let us know. Like the video, subscribe to Arena Ablaze and share this episode with another man who is searching for something deeper.

8. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Forged by Mary, The Making of a Christian Man | Father Bernie Georges

   What does it take to form a truly Christian man? In Episode 10 of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers sit down with Father Bernie Georges, a beloved priest of the Diocese of Wichita and a true man of action. Father Bernie explains why every man needs a battle to fight, an adventure to live and a woman to win. For him, that woman is the Blessed Virgin Mary, who leads men into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. The conversation explores the Forge of Mary, where the Holy Spirit brings the heat, hammer and anvil needed to shape and temper a man for his mission. Father Bernie also shares his journey to the priesthood, his experiences in Medjugorje, the promise he made to Mary and the moment he finally understood his identity, mission and destination. This episode is about Christian masculinity, Marian devotion, spiritual battle, suffering, humility and learning to follow God’s will with courage and joy. If this conversation encourages you, please like the video, subscribe to Arena Ablaze and share it with another man who needs to hear it. For more with Father Bernie, tap this LINK. (https://youtube.com/@frgorges?si=76xGHlvOZRN9JG3R)

9. 

   27 Aug 2026

   The Rome of South America | Father Carney’s Mission in Quito

   Father Carney returns to Arena Ablaze to share the incredible story of his mission to Quito, Ecuador, a city often called “The Rome of South America” because of its historic churches and deeply rooted Catholic culture. Father Carney takes Marco and Todd inside the Royal Convent of the Conceptionists, where the apparitions of Our Lady of Good Success began centuries ago. He explains the remarkable life of Mother Mariana, her willingness to suffer for another nun’s conversion and the story of the statue reportedly completed by three archangels. The conversation also explores Quito’s incorrupt nuns, the history of Ecuador as a Catholic nation and Father Carney’s mission to renew devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus. He describes processing through the church with a Holy Face relic touched to the Veil of Veronica as faithful Catholics placed their rosaries against it and kissed it with deep reverence. Father Carney also shares a possible new mission to restore a historic Franciscan retreat house, school and convent that have suffered years of deterioration. This project could eventually bring Catholics from Wichita to Quito to serve local families, restore sacred places and experience the beauty of Ecuador’s Catholic heritage. Marco, Todd and Father Carney also discuss reverence, modesty, Catholic culture, traditional dress, the importance of presenting our best to God and what American Catholics can learn from the faithful people of Quito. Hosted by Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers, with special guest Father Carney. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney, visit: martinians.org (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney, visit: Father Carney Books (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop the Lorraine crosses here: HolyFaceGifts (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts)

10. 

    20 Aug 2026

    He Left His Career to Build a Catholic School | Will Durant

    What happens when following your conscience costs you the career you love? In Episode 11 of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers sit down with Will Durant, husband, father of eight, Catholic convert, educator and principal of St. John Paul II Independent Catholic School. Will shares how his journey into the Catholic Church transformed his understanding of faith, family and education. After stepping away from a promising career, he trusted God through uncertainty and eventually helped build an independent Catholic classical school rooted in truth, tradition and the formation of the whole person. The conversation explores Will’s conversion to Catholicism, raising a large family, standing firm in difficult circumstances, the intercession of St. Joseph, hands-on classical education and the importance of forming young men into faithful fathers and courageous leaders. This is a powerful story about trusting God when the path ahead is uncertain and allowing suffering to become fertile ground for a greater mission. If this conversation encourages you, please like the video, subscribe to Arena Ablaze and share it with someone who needs to hear it. DONATE TO THE NEW BUILDING HERE (https://www.jp2independentschool.org/building-campaign) DONATE TO THE SCHOOL HERE (https://www.cornerstonecharitablefoundation.org/)

11. 

    13 Aug 2026

    10,000 Miracles? The Power of the Holy Face with Father Carney

    Can devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus still bring miracles into a world that has lost its faith? Father Carney returns to Arena Ablaze to continue exploring the history and purpose of the Archconfraternity of the Holy Face. He explains how the devotion received official approval from the Catholic Church and why that process took decades of obedience, perseverance and prayer. The conversation examines the remarkable story of Venerable Leo Dupont, a Catholic layman associated with thousands of reported healings through prayer, oil from a lamp burning before the Holy Face and images connected to the Veil of Veronica. Father Carney shares accounts of people being healed, the public miracle witnessed in Rome in 1849 and the important role these events played in spreading the devotion throughout Europe. Marco, Todd and Father Carney also discuss why miracles may appear less common in today’s increasingly godless society. They explore the Church’s present suffering, the incorrupt body of Sister Wilhelmina and the promise that devotion to the Holy Face could help bring about spiritual renewal and the triumph of the Catholic Church. The episode concludes with a closer look at the official double cross of the Archconfraternity, its medals and what it means to become a member. Hosted by Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers, with special guest Father Carney. Welcome into the arena. For more information on Father Carney, visit: martinians.org (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney, visit: Father Carney Books (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5) Shop the Lorraine crosses here: HolyFaceGifts (https://www.etsy.com/shop/HolyFaceGifts)

12. 

    6 Aug 2026

    What Does a Lifetime of Catholic Faith in Action Look Like?

    Faith in Action: From Wichita to Uganda with Bob Powers In this episode of Arena Ablaze, Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers sit down with Todd’s father, Bob Powers, a longtime member of Wichita’s Catholic community, author and former Wichita State basketball player. Bob shares how he went from simply following the structure of the Catholic faith to developing a deeply personal relationship with God. He discusses raising children, the health crises that brought his family to prayer and why he has attended daily Mass for nearly 50 years. Bob also tells the story of his involvement with the Men of the Sacred Heart and how he helped enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in nearly 300 Wichita homes. What began during one of the most difficult seasons of his family’s life became a mission to bring prayer, hope and devotion into the homes of others. The conversation then turns to Bob’s friendship with Father Vincent Kajoba and his work supporting Catholic communities in Uganda. Through churches, dormitories, water wells and other projects, Bob helped meet the physical and spiritual needs of families living in extreme poverty. His book, “The Journey of Father Vincent Kajoba: Building Saint Kizito,” documents that remarkable journey from Wichita to Madudu, Uganda. Bob’s story is a reminder that faith is more than attending church. It is a lifelong journey of prayer, service, sacrifice and saying yes when God gives us an opportunity to act. Welcome into the arena. BOOK by Bob Powers: The Journey of Father Vincent Kajoba: Building Saint Kizito (https://bit.ly/4hixiZx)

13. 

    23 Jul 2026

    Meekness Is Not Weakness | Becoming a Man After the Heart of Jesus

    What does it mean for a Catholic man to be meek without becoming passive or weak? Father Carney returns to Arena Ablaze for a conversation about the Sacred Heart of Jesus, hardness of heart and the misunderstood virtue of meekness. He explains how meekness allows a man to possess strength, courage and righteous anger while remaining obedient to God. Marco, Todd and Father Carney discuss praying for virtue, the power of the Rosary and the relationship between the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Holy Face devotion. They also examine the need for authentic Catholic brotherhood and the responsibility of Catholic men to take their faith beyond the walls of the church. The episode concludes with a call for men to publicly witness to Christ through prayer, sacrifice, processions and acts of reparation. True meekness is strength placed under the direction of God. Hosted by Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers, with special guest Father Carney. For more information on Father Carney, visit: martinians.org (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney, tap HERE (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5)

14. 

    23 Jul 2026

    From a Hardened Heart to Total Surrender | Marco’s Testimony

    In this deeply personal episode, Marco Sandoval shares his testimony and the experiences that shaped his journey back to the heart of God. Marco speaks honestly about growing up without a stable father in the home, becoming a young husband and father, the collapse of his first marriage and the destructive habits that followed. Even during seasons of sin and personal failure, he continued returning to the sacrament of confession and asking God for the grace to change. His journey eventually led him to Scripture, Eucharistic adoration, Marian consecration and a deeper understanding of Catholic virtue. Marco shares how God used suffering, fatherhood, the Blessed Mother and the sacraments to reshape his mind, soften his heart and restore his life. He also recounts the serious trial that later threatened his second marriage and how surrender, patience and faith helped bring healing. Marco’s story is a reminder that our hearts will remain restless until they rest in God. Hosted by Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers.

15. 

    23 Jul 2026

    Discovering the Holy Face of Jesus with Father Carney

    What is the devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, and how can it deepen our relationship with Christ? Father Carney joins Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers to introduce the Manual of the Arch-confraternity of the Holy Face and explain the six conditions traditionally associated with membership. He discusses the image left on Veronica’s veil, the history surrounding the Holy Face and practical ways Catholics can incorporate this devotion into their daily spiritual lives. The conversation also explores the influence of the Holy Face on Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, the connection between suffering and spiritual growth and how devotion can soften a heart hardened by fear, pain or past wounds. The Holy Face devotion invites us to encounter the suffering face of Christ, bring our own wounds to Him and grow in tenderness, intimacy and love. Hosted by Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers, with special guest Father Carney. For more information on Father Carney, visit: martinians.org (https://www.martinians.org/) For books by Father Carney, tap HERE (https://www.martinians.org/new-page-5)

16. 

    16 Jul 2026

    Welcome Into the Arena | Faith, Brotherhood and the Fight for Holiness

    Welcome to the first episode of Arena Ablaze. Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers introduce the mission behind the podcast and explain what it means to enter the arena of everyday life as Catholic men. They discuss faith, family, brotherhood, temptation, recovery, vulnerability and the daily struggle to become the men God is calling them to be. Marco and Todd also share the story behind Arena Ablaze, the importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Holy Face devotion and the need for men to support one another through honest conversations about their victories, wounds and failures. None of us has everything figured out. We fall, receive God’s mercy, get back up and continue moving forward. This podcast is an invitation to stop watching from the sidelines, say yes to God and enter the arena. Hosted by Marco Sandoval and Todd Powers.

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