The Octave of Christmas

We celebrated the feast of the Holy Innocence on December 28th. Herod’s rage against God was shown by him slaughtering all males 2 years and younger. These were the first martyrs and they were pure and innocent. 

Then we Celebrated the feast of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterburry who was killed under the rage of King Henry II. St. Becket offered his life in defense of the Church. Thomas honored God before bowing before the king’s offenses.

On December 30th, we celebrated the feast of the Holy Family. A day in which we recollect the providence of God. Where we remember Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

We reflect that Mary was made perfect through the Immaculate Conception; that she said yes to the angel at the Annunciation; and because of these great gifts, she gave birth to God Himself who would be Our Savior.

Who is like St. Joseph?

The man who is the second most powerful Saint said not a word in the Bible. But, his actions proved he was just, honorable, and a defender of the Family as well as of the Church. He is the Terror of Demons, Hope of the Dying, Patriarch of the Church just to name a few.

Mary, Mother of God

How fitting is it that we celebrate this feast one week after Our Lord’s birth? We end the year with Christ’s birth and we begin the year with Mary as the Mother of God.

This is certainly a mystery. The infinite born of the finite. The love of God made manifest with His only Son to dwell among us; to be like us in all things except sin. And she, Our Mother, pondered all these things in Her Immaculate Heart.

And so, we begin a new year. We look towards the saints to guide us. We implore the Blessed Virgin Mary to present us before her Son so that we may be found acceptable before God.

The Church wants us to begin the year under this title: Mary, Mother of God. Our heavenly Father wants us to go to Our Mother with all of our needs. He wants us to go to her in times of temptation, in times of sorrow, in times of joy - to go to her with all of our desires.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!