Meet the 2025 Speakers
Bishop Coffey
Welcome to the AMS. I am Bishop Joe Coffey, one of the 5 Auxiliary Bishops for the AMS. I am from Philadelphia and was ordained a priest for that Archdiocese in 1996.
After 5 years in parish ministry there, Cardinal Bevilacqua, gave me his permission to serve on Active Duty as a Navy Chaplain. It was his second permission, the first one was 9 years earlier when he allowed me to be a Chaplain Candidate as a seminarian studying for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
I loved being a parish priest but I also felt a strong calling to serve on active duty as a Navy Chaplain. Cardinal Bevilacqua and his two successors, Cardinal Rigali, and Archbishop Chaput allowed me to continue in the Navy for twenty years and I can honestly say I loved it.
I was able to serve the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard on aircraft carriers, helicopter squadrons, base chapels, two boot camps, and a tour on recruiting duty.
I tried to never take it for granted that I had the permission of my bishops because I have met many priests who would love to serve as a military chaplain but their bishops can’t spare them from the diocese or religious order.
Just as I was preparing for my last assignment and return to my home diocese , I got the most unexpected call in my life from the Papal Nuncio, informing me that Pope Francis chose me to be an Auxiliary Bishop for the AMS. I trusted and said yes.
Most of my duties now are to make pastoral visits to the Catholic Priest Chaplains serving in our over 150 VA Medical Canters all across the USA. It is a tremendous honor to serve the Lord, our Country and Veterans and to represent Abp Broglio and the AMS wherever I go. I hope your experience will be just as rewarding and fun as mine has been. Welcome aboard!
The Very Reverend Chris Alar, MIC
Priest, Author, & Speaker
Father Chris Alar, MIC, entered the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, the religious community entrusted with spreading the message and devotion of Divine Mercy, as a postulant in July 2006. Prior to that time, he received a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Michigan. After working as an engineering manager at a large automotive supplier in Detroit, he began his own consulting firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2000.
Answering the Lord's call, he attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, for his philosophy studies; Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., for his theology studies; and he earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut.
He wrote and produced the popular "Divine Mercy 101" DVD and the "Explaining the Faith" YouTube series. He is the author of the bestselling books After Suicide: There's Hope for Them and for You and Understanding Divine Mercy, as well as his newest release, Understanding the Sacraments: God's Grace Guaranteed. He is host of the EWTN show Living Divine Mercy, which airs on Thursdays, 10:00 p.m. EST.
Justin Fatica
​
Justin Fatica has impacted over two million people by sharing a message of hope wherever he goes. Whetheron a stage or in a Panera Bread, his message gives people a chance to choose hope amidst their suffering. Justin’s gift for motivating others has resulted in the development of strong leaders who prioritize uplifting others. His commitment goes beyond mere enthusiasm; it is a lifestyle aimed at helping every individual recognize their inherent greatness. Justin dedicates his energy and resources to ensure that each person understands their incredible value.
Justin has spoken at over 1,500 live events, speaking professionally for over 20 years in 4 countries and 46 states.He is a graduate of Seton Hall University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education.
Justin has been featured on numerous media outlets such as Good Morning America, ABC Nightline, TBN, Our Daily Bread, and was the subject of an HBO film called “Hard as Nails". Justin is also featured in a 10-episode television series on EWTN called “You’re Amazing with Justin Fatica,” which focuses on the impact that he has made while traveling on the road. Justin is the author of 5 books, including 2 best sellers, “Hard as Nails: A Mission to Awaken Youth to the Power of God’s Love” and “Win it All: The Way to Heaven for Catholic Teens.” Currently, Justin coaches an AAU Basketball team, Team Amazing. Justin’s passion for encouragement has
overflowed into the team, bringing them together in a brotherhood that is impacting the culture of young athletes. “In The Paint” is a 6-part docu-series following Justin and his team of players as they strive to follow their dreams and make a difference in the world.
Justin is the Executive Director of You’re Amazing Fitness (youreamazingfitness.org) and Hard as Nails Ministries (amazingnation.org). Justin, along with his team of amazing staff and volunteers, are dedicated to
bringing encouragement and hope to every person they encounter.