Novena to the Holy Family: Ninth Day, The Holy Family Teaches Peace
Meditation: Constancy in the practice of virtue produces peace of mind and heart. In the home at Nazareth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph dealt lovingly and with forgiveness in the daily conflicts and stresses, always aware of God’s presence with them. How beautiful are the lives of those Christians who imitate the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their daily contacts. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall persevere in the practice of peace and re
Novena to the Holy Family: Eighth Day, The Holy Family Teaches Prayer
Meditation: Jesus, Mary and Joseph were always united to God in prayer and adoration. Prayer is the key which opens heaven. A household united in prayer is a strong help in facing the challenges in our lives. We ask the Holy Family for the grace to practice the spirit of prayer in the family. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall be faithful in daily prayer. Prayer: Three Our Fathers and Hail Marys in honor of the Holy Family. Ask for a special
Novena to the Holy Family: Seventh Day, The Holy Family, Model of Workers
Meditation: The life of the Holy Family was one of daily work. Joseph worked as a carpenter to provide the food and clothing for Jesus and Mary. Mary worked to keep the little home in order and prepared the meals for Jesus and Joseph. Jesus was ever ready to help with the carpenter work and with the care of the home. Jesus, Mary and Joseph glorified God the Father by their daily tasks. We pray that we may never cease striving to imitate their example by performing our work as
Novena to the Holy Family: Sixth Day, Love of the Holy Family
Meditation: In the home at Nazareth, every moment was lived for love of God. Every slightest act was performed for His honor and glory. We ask of the Holy Family the grace to love God more and more each day and to be conformed in everyday life to His precepts and the precepts of the Church. May we always live in that charity which they set forth. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall receive the sacraments as often as possible. Prayer: Three Ou
Novena to the Holy Family: Fifth Day, Purity of Heart of the Holy Family
Meditation: The virtue of purity of heart was most loved by Jesus, Mary and Joseph. In these days when the sense of sin has largely been lost, great care must be exercised by parents and others in teaching purity of heart among the children and youth entrusted to their keeping. We implore the Holy Family for all the graces necessary to preserve purity in soul and body. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall live in purity of heart, mind and body
Novena to the Holy Family: Fourth Day, Humility of the Holy Family
Meditation: The virtue of humility is the foundation of spiritual perfection. It was practiced most perfectly by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their life at Nazareth. We ask of them the spirit of humility in all relationships within the household, thereby preventing the discords which arise from pride and selfishness. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall strive to overcome self in our daily trials. Prayer: Three Our Fathers and Hail Marys in hono
Novena to the Holy Family: Third Day, Kindness of the Holy Family
Meditation: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are models of all the virtues which lead to holiness. The kindness of the Holy Family sanctified all other virtues. From the Home at Nazareth has shone forth the example after which the saints have patterned their lives. If we wish to be holy, kindness must shape all other virtues we strive to live. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall speak kindly always. Prayer: Three Our Fathers and Hail Marys in honor of
Novena to the Holy Family: Second Day, The Intercession of the Holy Family
Meditation: When we pray for one another we show how deep is our love. Jesus taught us to pray as a family prays. At home, He began praying to pray with Mary and Joseph. They prayed as a family, with their hearts open to others, always trusting our heavenly Father’s will. To the intercession of the Holy Family we entrust ourselves today, joining our prayers to theirs. Pause briefly, meditating on the above matter... Resolution: We shall have humble and persevering faith in pr
Novena to the Holy Family: First Day, Devotion to the Holy Family
Meditation: God established the home at Nazareth as a model for all the homes in the world. Therein was Joseph, devout and just, kind, humble and faithful. There, too, lived Mary, the fairest and holiest of God's creatures. And Jesus, their God, was with them. He was subject to Joseph and Mary, and they lived in His Presence. Through devotions to the Holy Family, we pray for all the graces necessary to secure peace and happiness in our Christian home. Pause briefly, meditatin
Luke 2:41-50, The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The parents of Jesus used to go every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, and when he was twelve they went up for the celebration as was their custom. As they were returning at the end of the feast, the child Jesus remained behind unknown to his parents. Thinking he was in the party, they continued their journey for a day, looking for him among their relatives and acquaintances. Not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem in search of him. On the third day they c