The Feast of the Holy Family is of recent origin. In 1663 Barbara d’Hillehoust founded at Montreal the Association of the Holy Family; this devotion soon spread and in 1863 Leo XIII expressed his approval of a feast under this title and himself composed part of the Office. The Feast was welcomed by succeeding Pontiffs as an efficacious means for bringing home to the Christian people the example of the Holy Family at Nazareth, and by the restoration of the true spirit of family life, stemming, in some measure, the evils of present-day society. These motives led Benedict XV to insert the Feast in the universal Calendar, and from 1921 it has been fixed for this present Sunday. (Prov. 23:24-25) The father of the just rejoices greatly, let Thy father and Thy mother be joyful, and let her rejoice who bore Thee. — (Ps. 83:2-3). How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord. Gloria Patri. O Lord Jesus Christ, who, being subject to Mary and Joseph, didst sanctify home life with unspeakable virtues: grant, that, by the aid of both, we may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family, and attain to eternal fellowship with it: Who lives and reigns, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever, and ever. Reading of the Epistle of the blessed Apostle Paul to the Colossians (3:12-17) (Ps. 26:4) One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. ℣. (Ps. 83:5) Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, O Lord, they shall praise Thee for ever and ever. O Lord Jesus Christ, who, being subject to Mary and Joseph, didst sanctify home life with unspeakable virtues: grant, that, by the aid of both, we may be taught by the example of Thy Holy Family, and attain to eternal fellowship with it: Who lives and reigns, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever, and ever. Reading of the Epistle of the blessed Apostle Paul to the Colossians (3:12-17) (Ps. 26:4) One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. ℣. (Ps. 83:5) Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house, O Lord, they shall praise Thee for ever and ever. The Sequel of the holy Gospel according to saint Luke (2:42-52). Sources: Daily Traditional Latin Mass Readings, 1962Feast of the Holy Family - Sunday after the Epiphany
Table of Contents
Considerations
Liturgy of the Mass
Introit
Collect
Epistle
Brethren, Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: bearing with one another and forgiving one another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection: and let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by Jesus Christ our Lord.Gradual
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. (Is. 45, 15) Verily Thou art a hidden King, the God of Israel, the Savior. Alleluia.
Collect
Epistle
Brethren, Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience: bearing with one another and forgiving one another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection: and let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by Jesus Christ our Lord.Gradual
Alleluia, alleluia. ℣. (Isaiah 45:15) Verily Thou art a hidden King, the God of Israel, the Savior. Alleluia.Gospel
When Jesus was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, and having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and His parents knew it not. And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass that after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him they wondered. And His Mother said to Him: Son, why hast Thou done so to us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. And He said to them: how is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business? And they understood not the word that He spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And His Mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.