NINE-MONTH NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

NINE-MONTH NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Start March 12 to December 12

Sunday, December 27, 2015 Feast of the Holy Family


1 John, Chapter 4, Verse 18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.

Today is both the feast of the Holy Family. We see here that Jesus was a wanted man because he was fearless toward the Jews and they hated him for it. People were afraid to even speak about Jesus or worst yet speak up in his behalf. Often it is easier for us to not speak up when we hear gossip or worse yet to join in the gossip and relish in it. We often love to hear the worse things about others or lack the courage to defend their good name. It has been said it is better to say nothing then to say anything negative about another but Christ compels us to go even further with this verse; to be fearless in the defense of others.

Today is also the Feast of the Holy Family.  Let us reflect that the Holy family was holy because of how they interacted with each other and the world.  A good practice during the twelve nights of Christmas would be to turn off the TV and to rest and have joyful prayer with the family.  It is good to remember that Christ’s primary teachers in the faith were Joseph and Mary.  We also should remember to not rely on schools to bring up our children in Faith that we are the primary teachers of Faith, Hope and Love in our families.

Today is traditionally the second day of Christmas and the Two Turtle Doves from the song The 12 days of Christmas represent the two parts of the Sacred Scriptures: the old and new testament. 
Into the Breach Young Men’s Conference — For Single Young Men High School to College Age
Bishop Olmsted’s efforts to call men of the Diocese of Phoenix to greatness certainly includes a call to young men! In fact, this is the crucial time for a young man to begin to step Into the Breach.
This conference is offered to all young men of the diocese as a day of encouragement, fellowship and fun. Speakers include Fr. John Parks, Ryan Ayala, Dcn Dan Connealy, Fr. Fernando Camou and former NFL Player Chris Horn. Lunch provided.



[1] http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/prayers/view.cfm?id=46 


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