Feast of the Holy Family

Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Honolulu

"At the very outset of Christ's work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, 'all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness.' The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterized this holy Family make it the model for all Christian families."

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph most kind,
Bless us now and in death's agony.

Prayer for the Protection of the Holy Family

Grant unto us, Lord Jesus, ever to follow the example of Thy holy Family, that in the hour of our death Thy glorious Virgin Mother together with blessed Joseph may come to meet us and we may be worthily received by Thee into everlasting dwellings: who livest and reignest world without end. - Roman Missal


Consecration to the Holy Family

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou defend us, guard us, and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love; in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us, without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary,d ear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by they prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enable to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

In Honor of the Holy Family

O God, heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joesph. In Nazareth home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to ever Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Prayer Book

The Holy Family in Egypt

Flight into Egypt by Andrea G. Alsaldo

Thanks to family friend Sharon for sharing the following: The Upper Egypt Tour Gabal al-Tayr -The Holy Family in Egypt including mention of the bowing tree.

Flight into Egypt by Bartolomé Carducho

Source Webgallery

Feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim

Cuzco Art, 18th Century
Parents of Mary, pray for all parents that they may provide the loving home and faithful teaching that you provided your daughter. Amen
Prayer Source

Thanks to Dora G. for sharing this.

If you are married, then the central goal of your life should be to get to Heaven, and to help your spouse and children get there too. Every other dream, decision, and direction ought to be subservient to that central focus of your life. You cannot afford to undermine your own life mission by sanctioning family activities and customs which jeopardize your primary purpose.

This is what I mean: most families have a desire to be healthy. In order for the family to remain in good health, each member must embrace that goal. If one member forgets to wash his hands, cover his mouth when he sneezes, wear warm clothes in cold weather, or clean the dishes thoroughly with soap and hot water, then the health of the entire family is at risk because of the bad health habits of just one person in the family.

Or again, most families strive to be financially stable. In order to remain solvent, the entire family must commit themselves to that goal. If one member buys compulsively, wastes food and electricity, neglects essential maintenance, gambles irresponsibly, or otherwise spends money excessively, then the solvency of the entire family is compromised because of the bad fiscal habits of just one person in the family.

So, if your family is striving for holiness (and I hope you are!), then all the members of the family must understand this as your central family focus. If one member uses foul or biting language, or is disrespectful, or lies, or compromises marital fidelity, or neglects prayer and duty to God, then the sanctity of the entire family is belittled because of the bad sinful habits of just one person in the family.

To foster this family sanctity, I strongly encourage families to commit to the following code:

1) To pray together as a family daily

2) To honor the Lord on His day by attending Mass as a family weekly

3) To avail ourselves of God’s mercy by going to sacramental confession monthly, and then extending forgiveness received from God to each member of the family.

4) To take part in a retreat or mission as a family annually (this can be combined with vacation, as long as the vacation has a spiritual dimension).

Fr. Rory Pitstick

IHRC

Feast of the Holy Family

Feast Day of the Holy Family

Prayer for a Family

God of goodness and mercy,
to your fatherly protection we recommend our family,
our household, and all that belongs to us.
Fill our home with your blessings
as you filled the holy house of Nazareth
with your presence.
Keep us from sin.
Help each one of us to obey your holy laws,
to love you sincerely, and to imitate your example,
the example of Mary, your mother and ours,
and the example of your holy guardian, St. Joseph.

Lord, preserve us and our home
from all evils and misfortunes.
May we ever be resigned to your divine will
even in the crosses and sorrows
which you allow to come to us.
Finally, give all of us the grace to live in harmony and love toward our neighbor.
Grant that each of us may deserve by a holy life
the comfort of your Sacraments at the hour of death.

Bless this house,
God the Father, who created us,
God the Son, who suffered for us on the Cross,
and God the Holy Spirit, who sanctified us at Baptism..
May the one God in three divine Persons
preserve our bodies,
purify our minds,
direct our hearts,
and bring us all to everlasting life.

Amen.

From the New Saint Joseph People's Prayer Book, Catholic Book Publishing

For Micki's Viewing Pleasure - Native American Holy Family

Sorry I didn't scan it evenly. As you can see, it's an old newspaper clipping I saved.