Holy Father's Prayer Intention for January

The Holy Father's prayer intention for January is:

For the Right to an Education: We pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.

Thank you, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings You bestowed on us in 2024.

Fernando Ramos on Which Star to Follow

"On the feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, we celebrate how God is revealed to the world, made man in a humble manger, breaking all our expectations. The world offers us comfort, wealth, and wisdom, but God always chooses another path. In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told that Wise Men from the East followed a star that led them to the manger in Bethlehem. . . ..

"But let's return to our star, because those good Wise Men, whom we know as Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, followed a star that set them on their journey. Surely the road was not easy, and they must have faced difficulties, but that star became an intuition for them, which they turned into a purpose that led them to the greatest destination. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Fernando Ramos (Spanish Teacher, Salesianum School, Wilmington, DE) reflected on how the Epiphany of Our Lord gives us a clue as to what stars we should follow in our own lives.

To access Fr. Mark's complete reflection, please visit:

DeSales Weekly: Salesian Reflection: Which Star Do You Follow? (2 JAN 25)

Reflection Starter from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

"Be attentive to the voice of grace." - Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, whose memory the Church celebrates today (4 January)

"The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy"

As we continue our celebration of Christmas and of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, I offer this version of "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy":

 

The Octave Day of Christmas, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Today the Church celebrates the Octave Day of Christmas, the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. The assigned readings are Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, and Luke 2:16-21. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Spirit & Psalm 2025 – Mary, Mother of God – Psalm

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Reflections related to these readings and this feast day:

National Catholic Register: Pope Francis Preaches Peace, Protection of Life in New Year's Homily (1 JAN 25)

Crossroads Initiative: Mary, the Mother of God?

Magis Center for Catholic Spirituality: The Octave Day of Christmas Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God 

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Debbie and Kyle!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to niece Debbie and her husband Josh Kyle, whose wedding anniversary was yesterday!!! May and each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Mark and Becky!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to brother Mark and his wife Becky, whose wedding anniversary was yesterday!!! May and each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Belated Anniversary Blessings, Joe and Erin!!!

Belated anniversary greetings to son Joseph and his wife Erin, whose wedding anniversary was yesterday!!! May and each day of the upcoming year be filled with the Lord's choicest blessings!!!

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings You have planned for us in 2025.

Br. Francis Mills, O.P., on Moving Forward into the New Year

"It's the last day of the year, and by this point we have all had a chance to give 2024 an honest assessment. Perhaps you looked back over your year and rejoiced. Maybe it was a bitter one, and you can't wait to get 2024 in the rearview mirror. Or maybe the review process just made you cringe: you looked at that treadmill you bought in January and wondered at what point it became a coat rack. Whether it was a good one or a bad one, 2024 is over. Now, we press on. 

"One of my favorite parts of the Bible is the third chapter of Paul's Letter to the Philippians. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Brother Francis Mills, O.P., reflected on moving forward into the new year with our eyes fixed on Christ.

To access Br. Francis' complete post, please visit: 

Dominicana: We Press On (31 DEC 24)

Reflection Starter from the Book of Numbers

"The LORD said to Moses: 'Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: This is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them.'" - Numbers 6:22-27 (This is the First Reading from today's liturgical celebration, The Octave Day of Christmas/Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.)