Dear Saints,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, a reminder of the sacred role of family in God’s plan. Pope Saint John Paul II wisely observed, “As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.” The family is not just the foundation of society but a living witness to the beauty of love and responsibility.

Yet, living as a family can be challenging. Families are made up of imperfect people, each with their own struggles and shortcomings. There are moments of friction, and for some, even seasons of pain. These realities can make the call to foster a holy family life feel overwhelming.

So how do we begin? By looking to the Holy Family as our guide—not because they lived without hardship, but because of their steadfast priorities. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were united in their unwavering commitment to God’s will. They loved one another deeply because their first love was God. This God-centered, divinely inspired, charity is the key to peace and harmony in every family.

No family is free from challenges. Relatives will test our patience, and some may even wound us deeply. But when we place God at the center of our lives—seeking his wisdom, grace, and strength—we discover the capacity to love with greater resilience and mercy. As our love for God grows, so too does our ability to transform our families into schools of virtue and joy.

Let us entrust our families to the Lord today, asking him to bless and guide us, so that we may reflect the love of the Holy Family in our own homes.

Christ’s Peace,

Father Daniel

δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ