On the Feast of the Holy Family

Consecration of the Family to the Holy Family

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, Who having come to enlighten the world with Your teaching and example, willed to pass the greater part of Your life humbly and in 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 take to Yourself our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to You this day. Defend us, guard us, and establish among us Your holy fear, true peace, and harmony in Christian love; in order that by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Your family all of us without exception may be able to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and our Mother, by your 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, help us by your prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and you for all eternity."

* Perfect reading for the feast today and through the week, the book The Family for Families by Fr. Francis L. Filas, SJ

It used to be free online, but I can't find it any more...  :(  But it can be found here.  A bit pricey, but worth the read!

* Blog post from a while back, with thoughts on the feast day -- and the story of how Mary and St. Joseph were not the only ones who ever left behind -- can be found here. 

* Mindfulness of the Holy Family and how we can make our families holy --  in blog some posts this week!