In Revelation 12, Scripture presents a woman “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Rev 12:1). As Fr. Chris explains, this image points unmistakably to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her heavenly glory reveals the one chosen by God to bear Christ, the King who “is to rule all the nations” (Rev 12:5). Yet confusion arises when the passage speaks of her crying out in pain. These are not physical labor pains from the birth of Jesus.

One of the most beloved saints from antiquity is St. Philomena. With some of the most amazing miracles ever known, numerous popes and saints have invoked her intercession, but did she really exist? What do we know about her and why is she so important? Fr. Chris Alar explains.