Dear Friends,
The seasons of Advent and Christmas can bring to mind thoughts of favorite relatives, friends and special times in our lives. Often these memories are a source of great joy, but they can also be sad reminders of loved ones who have gone before us or those from whom we are separated. There is much to pray for, both in Prayers of Thanksgiving and Prayers of Need.
The season, however, has such a hustle and bustle to it, that it can be those days after Christmas when we finally catch our breath, relax and reflect. That is why we begin our Annual Novena on the Sunday after Christmas which is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
I invite you to join us in our Novena to the Holy Family and strengthen your family life with prayer. We begin on Sunday, December 30th and conclude on Monday, January 7. This Novena bridges the years, from the closing of 2007 to the start of 2008. It is a wonderful way to give thanks for the blessings in the past year, pray for the needs of others, and share with God our personal hopes for the year to come.
Please consider sending me your prayer intentions. We will be celebrating Mass on each of the nine days. If you have never participated in a Novena, I encourage you to discover the benefits of this powerful form of prayer. Also, please consider making a sacrificial novena offering to support the Missionaries of the Holy Family. Your generosity will help us continue providing pastoral care to families.
A Holy Family Prayer Card is available for you to use during the nine days of the Novena and throughout the coming year. Thank you so much for your prayers and support of the Missionaries of the Holy Family!
Christ’s peace and blessings to you and your family,
Fr. Phil
Very Reverend Philip Sosa, M.S.F.
North American Provincial
PS: Did you know that Novena Prayer began with the Apostles after the Ascension of our Lord? When Christ had left this earth, the Apostles felt alone, uncertain and afraid, so they gathered back in the Upper Room and prayed. They prayed for nine days. On the ninth day the Holy Spirit came down and anointed each Apostle and this enabled them to proclaim the Good News – we know this as Pentecost.
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