The Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family during the Christmas Octave. It commemorates the lives of Jesus, Mary and Joseph together in Nazareth. Veneration of the Holy Family formally began in the 17th century through Saint François de Laval, the first bishop of New France.

The Holy Family is a source of inspiration and encouragement to every Catholic home. They were a model family where both parents worked hard, helped each other, understood and accepted each other and took good care of their Child so that He might grow up not only in human knowledge but also as a Child of God. Mary took care of her family in the home at Nazareth. It would not be wrong to say that she raised the child Jesus with the right moral and spiritual values. Having accepted the will of God in her life, she remained obedient to His Word.

Saint Joseph was a just man who showed tremendous faith in God and trusted in God’s plan for him. His commitment to the will of God could be seen in his devoted love and care towards Mary and Jesus. How can one not imagine the child Jesus helping him in the ordinary circumstances of daily life?  The virtues of piety, integrity, hard work and fidelity were gently imparted to Jesus through the examples of His earthly parents.

On the Feast of the Holy Family, all parents should examine themselves and see how well they are fulfilling the grave responsibility which God has placed on them. We see around us today the breakdown of families simply because we don’t spend enough time together. This leads to deprivation of love and care causing much hurt and anxiety within the family unit. Our homes should be sanctuaries where we are forgiven, understood and supported. This can be accomplished by putting Christ at the center of our family life as we work and pray together.

May the Holy Family infuse into our hearts the mutual love necessary to build a harmonious home. Let us pray for the grace of caring for one another in our own families, for each member of the parish family, and for all families of the universal Church.

Nancy Fernandes