A family is the basic unit of civilization. We all belong to a family. A family comprises of parents and siblings (children). We all live in harmony in our own homes. We have our own ideology. Each family has its own discipline and every member respects this discipline and abides by it. The father is the Head of the family and mother has equal rights over the family members.

Similarly families were right from the beginning and Adam, Eve, Abel and Cain were the first family.

We have one family whom we all respect that is the family of Jesus. It comprises St. Joseph, Mother Mary and Jesus. This is an ideal family. It is known as Holy Family or SACRA FAMILIA or SAGRADA FAMILIA. This is a blessed family chosen by GOD Himself. As parents St. Joseph and Mother Mary imbibed and nurtured Jesus with devotion.

They were true to word and they taught him the initial word. He too was an obedient child.

The Holy Family is an example to Catholic families to imitate the values taught by them and be followers of this family.

The Holy Family is a great example to us as they were open to the will of God always listening to God’s Word. God does speak to us in various means, by our prayers and discernment. We can follow God’s will in our own lives.

The Holy Family always guided Jesus. They were always true to their faith, trust and respect to one another. When Jesus was born and was in danger of His life, God instructed St. Joseph to go to Egypt and save the life of Jesus.

When Jesus was lost in the Temple, both the parents took responsibility and went in search of Him, till they found Him in the temple.

The Holy Family house was a house of Catechesis, where the basic instructions were imparted to Child Jesus. They taught Him how to read and start public ministry. They taught Him how to pray, specially and later they taught the disciples how to pray the “Our Father”. Joseph even taught Him the carpentry work. They taught Him to be compassionate and generous to the poor. The home of Nazareth was a place of love, understanding and concern.

The devotion to the Holy family of Nazareth is encouraged by the Church so that each family prays and seeks God’s guidance in carrying on the mission of family life. Just like how St. Joseph, Mother Mary did this with their family.

We learn from this family many virtues of Christian family life and through their inspiration, to practice them in our homes and families.

This year we celebrate the feast on 31st December.

Let us ask God to guide us and seek His blessings to continue the mission of being a part of the family and make ours an Ideal family just like the HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH.

-Rosarito Coelho