Sunday 29th December, 2024, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family is seen as the model for the human family, the religious community, and the Church itself. The celebration of the Incarnation has brought us to see God’s closeness. In the Holy Family we see the ordinariness of the life of Jesus, the acceptance by Mary and Joseph of the marvels of God. In the daily life of family and community we can touch the divine, we can come close to God. But we have to learn how to live centred on God, with respect and love for each other.
Tuesday, 31st December, 2024, St. Sylvester, died in 335 after being pope twenty-one years. Being elected in the year after the Edict of Milan, he was free to build many churches in Rome.
Wednesday, 1st January, 2025, Mary, The Holy Mother of God, World Day of Peace, At the message of the angel, the Virgin Mary received the Word of God in her heart and in her body, and gave Life to the world. Hence, she is acknowledged as being truly the Mother of God and Mother of the Redeemer (Lumen Gentium, 52)
Thursday, 2nd January, 2025, Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church. St. Basil, 330-379, Bishop of Caesarea, lived an ascetic life establishing norms for monastic life. He was a theologian of distinction. St. Gregory Nazianzen, 329-389, a friend of Basil, was Bishop of Sasima and later of Constantinople. He retired to live a monastic life.