January 1 is not just New Year’s Day; it’s also the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, a Holy Day of Obligation. Father Chris Alar, MIC, shows how the concept of Mary, Mother of God is revealed in Sacred Scripture, and how, by carrying  in her womb a divine Person, Mary contributed the genetic matter to the human form God took in Jesus Christ.

Today, Fr. Chris Alar reflects on the true meaning of love through the example of St. Martin of Tours — a man remembered for one simple act of charity. A Roman soldier who divided his cloak to clothe a beggar, St. Martin discovered that in serving the poor, he had served Christ Himself (cf. Mt 25:40). What seems like a small moment reveals an eternal truth: love is not sentiment but sacrifice.

St. Faustina was taken to Purgatory and said the souls call Mary "Star of the Sea." Why? Why has Mary been called this title for over 1,000 years? What is the meaning of it and why does it matter to us today? Hear Fr. Chris Alar tell the very interesting story.