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The Holy Family

The Holy Family is seen as the model of the human family, the religious community and the Church itself.

The Celebration of the Incarnation - the event whereby the Word of God and second person of the Holy Trinity becomes flesh in the person of the infant Jesus - reminds us of God's closeness through the family.

In the Holy Family we see the ordinariness of the early life of Jesus and the simple acceptance by Joseph and Mary of the marvels of God.

In the daily life of our parish, local community and in each family we can touch the divine, and come close to God. But we have to learn to live, centred on God, with respect and love for each other.

This feast was developed in the 17th century. It was extended to the Universal Church in 1921. The Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on the Sunday in the Octave of Christmas or on December 30, if Christmas falls onSunday.

Angelus Address

See related articles below

Prayer
Let us pray the prayer of our Holy Father, Benedict, for families:

"O God, who in the Holy Family
left us a perfect model of family life
lived in faith and obedience to Your will,
help us to be examples of faith, and love for Your commandments.
Help us in our mission of transmitting the faith that we received from our parents.
Open the hearts of our children
so that the seed of faith, which they received in Baptism, will grow in them.
Strengthen the faith of our young people,
that they may grow in knowledge of Jesus.
Increase love and faithfulness in all marriages,
especially those going through times of suffering or difficulty.
United to Joseph and Mary, we ask this
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen."

Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Benedict XVI to Valencia, Spain,
on occasion of the Fifth World Meeting of Families.
Vigil of Prayer: City of Arts and Sciences