The Holy Family is the name given to the family formed of Jesus of Nazareth and his parents, Mary and Joseph. The Catholic Church cites it as an example by for all Catholic families. “So the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger.” (Lk. 2:16).
The liturgical feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas or, if Christmas falls on a Sunday, on 30th December.
It is a feast that aims to show the Holy Family of Nazareth as “the true model of life” (Collect) from which our families can draw inspiration and where they can find help and comfort.
“Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.’ Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” (Mt. 2:13-15).
A family on the move
Like the Holy Family, we are all invited to set out to protect our faith in Jesus who, at Christmas, came to us as a tiny baby.
Lourdes can be that place for every family. A place of healing.
New: A week to spend with the family (28th December – 4th January)
This year, from 28th December to 4th January, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is offering activities for families with children aged 0 to 15. The aim is to highlight the Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday 29th December), by giving families visiting Lourdes the chance to spend a special moment in the company of Bernadette and her family.
Programme for families
10.30 am: Bernadette’s footsteps adapted for families
3.00 pm: Visit to the cribs in the Sanctuary
4.00 pm: Blessing of families at the Grotto
4.30 pm: Family afternoon refreshments
Prayer
