February: Month of the Holy Family

Did you know the month of February is dedicated to the Holy Family?

February begins with the celebration of the Presentation of the Lord when the Holy Family went to the temple in Jerusalem to present the baby Jesus to the Jewish elders and priests. During this month, we both honor the Holy Family and pray for strength in our own family life. St. Pope John Paul II called “the family of Nazareth a model for every home.”

The Holy Family Prayer:

JESUS, Son of God and Son of Mary, bless our families. Graciously inspire in us the unity, peace, and mutual love that you found in your own family in the little town of Nazareth.

MARY, Mother of Jesus and Our Mother, nourish our families with your faith and your love. Keep us close to your Son, Jesus, in all our sorrows and joys.

JOSEPH, Foster-father to Jesus, guardian and spouse of Mary, keep our families safe from harm. Help us in all times of discouragement or anxiety.

HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH, make our families one with you. Help us to be instruments of peace. Grant that love, strengthened by grace, may prove mightier than all the weaknesses and trials through which our families sometimes pass. May we always have God at the center of our hearts and homes until we are all one family, happy and at peace in our true home with you. Amen.