December 28, 2025
This weekend we celebrate the beautiful feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It comes at just the right moment, as Christmas grace is still fresh in our hearts and the New Year is just beginning to take shape. The Church invites us to look again at the home of Nazareth and remember what truly makes a family holy — not perfection, but love, patience, forgiveness, and trust in God.
If you look high on the wall to the left of the sacristy, you will see an image that has been here at the Shrine for many years. It depicts the glory of home life — Jesus, Mary, and Joseph together in the quiet simplicity of their home. No crowds, no miracles, no preaching. Just daily life. Work. Prayer. Ordinary moments filled with God’s presence.
I often look at that image and think of how many families who come to the Shrine are doing the very same thing as the Holy Family — trying their best. Families come here carrying joys, burdens, hopes, and worries. Some families are strong and steady; others are hurting; many are stretched thin. But every one of them is seeking the same thing the Holy Family lived so beautifully: peace, unity, and God’s blessing.
The Holy Family teaches us that holiness begins at home — in how we speak to one another, how we forgive one another, how we show kindness in the small things. Not one of us has a perfect family. But God works through imperfect people in very real ways.
As we honor Jesus, Mary, and Joseph this weekend, let us entrust our own families to their care. Ask the Holy Family to bring healing where there is division, hope where there is worry, and renewed love where there has been hurt. And may our homes become places where Christ is welcomed and where His peace can rest.
I remember you at Mass.
