Feast of the Holy Family

It's amazing to reflect on the Holy Family, even for a moment, this day, when the Church recognizes the mission of the Holy Family. In the temple, Mary and Joseph offer two turtledoves or pigeons showing their poverty. Mary purifies herself in the pool outside the temple in the tradition, even though she doesn't need to. After the circumcision, all the Bible tells us is that they went down to Nazareth and raised Jesus.
What a remarkable life it must have been to be in the presence of God every day literally! How humbling it must've been for Joseph. How daunting it must've been for Mary. Christ put away his divinity to live the humanity we all live. To truly understand the human condition, he took upon himself human nature. The God of all creation submits himself to the daily trials of humanity.
How amazing to be Joseph teaching him who created all things, how to build something with his bare hands. How incredible it is that Mary taught him the faith that he himself authored and handed down to us. The incarnation is ironic and telling of the way God chose to be with his people, amongst them. For his love surpasses all love and his mercy endures forever.

Men of St. Joseph's: Ste. Marie's Manchester, NH

The Men of St. Joseph's group, comprised of over 100 men or more, meet every 1st Friday of the month at Ste. Marie's Parish in Manchester, NH at 133 WAYNE STREET, MANCHESTER N.H. O3102. Call the rectory for more information at: PHONE: (603) 622-4615.

Monk For A Weekend

The Benedictine Monastery in Still River, MA is pursuing candidates for the monastic life in its campaign called Monk For A Weekend. The Monastery has a community of brothers and priests who live a reverent and prayerful life. If you are interested in finding out more about the event, contact Br. Matthew at monkforaweekend@aol.com.

Boston Catholic Men's Conference

Mark your calendars for March 4, 2006. The Boston Catholic Men's Conference (second annual) will be held at the New Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in South Boston, 415 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210. Last year there was a great line up of speakers including Jim Caviezel from the Passion of the Christ. This year, Scott Hahn, Fr. John Corapi, Fr. Roniero Cantalamessa, and Archbishop Sean O'Malley, will be speaking. There were over 2,000 men in attendance last year, they are expecting over 4,000 this year. By your tickets before December 31st to get a discount. There are group discounts available as well.

Feast of the Holy Innocents

Today the Church recalls the lives of the boys 2 and under, fetted out and killed by Herods men. Herod, believing the prophecies sought to kill Christ, who is in the Davidic line. No one had claimed to be from the Davidic line since the last king was put to death. If any man stepped out and claimed kingship, he would be hunted down and killed by the occupying government.

St. Joseph, having in a dream been told by an Angel, rose up and brought Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Recall that Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, who also posessed the power of dreams, was made powerful in Egypt and brought his people there to settle in Goshen. Joseph therefore fulfilled the prophecy: "Out of Egypt have I called my son." (Matt. 2: 13 - 18)

In this day we recall the agony and suffering of those innocent children. The terror their mothers went through as their children were torn away from them and killed in front of them. The mad fury of Herod. But it reminds me of the considerable offenses this country and the world has made against God in committing the most heinous acts of abortion, infanticide, euthansia, stem cell research, and others. We pray for God's mercy.