Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC answers your questions about the Catholic Church's Liturgical Calendar in "Ask a Marian."

December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. An extraordinary grace received by Mary made her worthy to receive Christ, our Savior.

Father Matthew Tomeny, MIC, opens his homily by declaring that the true test of love which distinguishes Christians is the love of the enemy. He reminds us that Christ commands this love, and that it is the hallmark that sets the Church apart from both believers and non‑believers. By examining the lives of the saints, we see that genuine love is measured not by affection but by the willingness to wish the good of the other, especially their salvation, even when that person has caused us great pain.