Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018

Location: All Parishes

The feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas. "Christmas celebrates the fruit of Mary and Joseph's trust in God. ... Mary and Joseph sacrificed greatly to make the arduous journey to Bethlehem, to obey God's directive to flee into Egypt, and to go to Nazareth to raise Jesus. Ambiguity, uncertainty, and brokenness touched the Holy Family. Their lives teach us that we cannot understand God's designs. This wonderful lesson urges parents to put their families in God's hands and trust that their efforts will bear fruit. Faithful parents are examples for us, single or married. We, too, are to put ourselves in God's hands. In so doing, God's grace helps us realize better the depths of who we are and what we are called to become." — Catechetical Sunday 2010, "Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter Reflections: Cultivating the Gift of Self" by Fr. Robert Hater

Prayer to the Holy Family

This prayer was offered by Pope Francis during the Angelus on the feast of the Holy Family on Dec. 29, 2013.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate
the splendour of true love,
to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
grant that our families too
may be places of communion and prayer,
authentic schools of the Gospel
and small domestic Churches.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may families never again
experience violence, rejection and division:
may all who have been hurt or scandalized
find ready comfort and healing.

Holy Family of Nazareth,
may the approaching Synod of Bishops
make us once more mindful
of the sacredness and inviolability of the family,
and its beauty in God’s plan.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
graciously hear our prayer.