A prayer for the feast of the Holy Family…
“Jesus, Mary and Joseph,
in you we contemplate the splendor 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 comfort and healing.
Holy Family of Nazareth, may this Jubilee Year of Mercy
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. Amen.”
…
It is hard not to think of the Holy Land as we celebrate the events around the Lord’s Nativity. There is so much goodness there and so much holiness, but also so much that is in need of repair and healing. The Knights of Columbus have a prayer card with the following prayer. These days might be suitable days to make our prayers for persecuted Christians be heard on high.
O God of all the nations,
the One God who is and was and always will be,
in your providence you willed that your Church
be united to the suffering of your Son.
Look with mercy on your servants
who are persecuted for their faith in you.
Grant them perseverance and courage
to be worthy imitators of Christ.
Bring your wisdom upon leaders of nations
to work for peace among all peoples.
May your Spirit open conversion
for those who contradict your will,
that we may live in harmony.
Give us the grace to be united in truth and freedom,
and to always seek your will in our lives.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Prayer composed by Archbishop William E. Lori, Supreme Chaplain
Finally, my priest support group is getting away for a little vacation time together, in that little island paradise we have been blessed to enjoy in past years. I will be thinking of you all as I enjoy another year of snorkeling and walking on the beach. And will pray for you daily as we celebrate mass at 5:30 pm ….