Feast of the Holy Family

http://www.catholicculture.org/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm

Our entire church worldwide celebrates today the Feast of the Holy Family, which reminds us to set aside time to reflect upon the model of love for families which God gave us in the precious family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Among many others, my prayer for our family in the new year is not that we strive for an appearance of perfection, but that we focus our efforts in genuine faithfulness and goodness, which would bear fruit in our lives as we seek to help others. And for parents all across the world, that they will be strengthened this week in their vocation of raising children.

Since our family promised to take time out to especially pray for vocations to the religious life on the Feast of the Holy Family, I would like to share this prayer tonight. As most priests tease, priests, brothers and sisters do not grow on trees, but they come from families just like yours and mine - and we are in desperate need of more people to serve, lead and pray for God's people in the world.

Vocations prayer

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge, understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will. Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service.
Amen.