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.

Did you know that Our Lady, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, has a deep connection to the discovery of America and the founding of the United States? Father Chris Alar, MIC, traces the Marian roots that ultimately led to the declaration of Mary as patroness of our country. Then hear Fr. Thaddaeus Lancton, MIC, as he discusses a fascinating topic with Fr. Rendell Torres of the Diocese of Albany, New York: how the Immaculate Conception relates to contraception.

The Church teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary, upon her death, was assumed into Heaven by the power of God. But how do we explain the Assumption, if we can’t find direct evidence of it in the Bible? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he reveals how Scripture, Sacred Apostolic Tradition, and the Magisterium guide us Catholics in our way of life. Then be inspired by the story of the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, New Jersey, whose “Nightwatch” ministry is a lifeline to the elderly and infirmed.