Joy to the World, the Lord has Come! As we welcome in this new season, may we remember the joy, rest, and peace that we were awarded during the Advent season. This Christmas season is a time of joy and rejoicing so let us relish in our salvation as we celebrate these 7 special feast days.
January 1st: Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
January 3rd: The Most Holy Name of Jesus
January 4th: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
January 8th: The Epiphany of the Lord
January 9th: The Baptism of the Lord
January 25th: Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul
January 28th: St. Thomas Aquinas
January 31st: St. John Bosco
Here are two simple ways to begin celebrating:
1) The Holy Name of Jesus is a unique feast day because it is not focused on the lives of the saints or biblical events, but rather is a day focused on honoring the name of Jesus. This feast day is important because Jesus is a name by which all are saved and should be reverenced by all. Additionally, while there is power in His name, many have died speaking the name of Jesus. We are devoted to reverencing His special name and evoking His power. This month, say this prayer daily, meditating on Jesus' name: Lord, Jesus Christ, son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner!
2) St. John Bosco had a difficult beginning due to his father leaving their family when John was young. He was raised by his mother, who is herself declared venerable. After working hard as a laborer, he discerned that he was called to become a priest. He was devoted to working with young men and boys after witnessing the harsh conditions they experienced in prisons. He went on to establish the Society of St. Francis de Sales with the charism of helping boys with faith formation. He is the patron of apprentices, schoolchildren, and juvenile delinquents. To celebrate his feast day, prepare a traditional Italian meal with spaghetti, Italian bread, a vegetable, salad, and an Italian Cream Cake.
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