“Go to Nazareth and … contemplate…” Peter Bienvenu discovered there the incredible mystery of the love that energised his whole life. Jesus, Son of Mary and Joseph… at Nazareth we contemplate the Holy Family, seed of the Church.
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY “Go to For our Founder, Nazareth was his ‘little home’, where he dreamed of gathering the scattered children of God … during his contemplation he discovered there a home for all – and that is why the Family he founded has no border and is open to all vocations, and, as far as it is possible, attentive to respond to all calls, because… “dispersed throughout the world, and appearing in one form or another on all the ways trod by us poor travellers,… you accompany them in the valley of tears and to bring them back or to keep them for Jesus Christ, you share with them, as far as you can, all the fatigue, the trials and the dangers of the journey.” (1) Each time when we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family, we feel “Family” not only because our heart is stretched but also because it becomes more sensitive to the joys and hopes of humanity. (2) Contemplate… Jesus… we can also share the little bread and fish that we have in our life; to alleviate the hunger of many, hunger that is not only for bread… (3) We know the joy of a huge shared table, we can share closeness, love, and compassion to make the world a big family where numerous wheat fields flourish and violence ceases….
Mary… who keeps everything in her heart (4), who enlightens, restores dignity, and enables the simple and humble of heart to find joy and peace. Mary, the countrywoman of Joseph… discreet, trustworthy and always strong and prudent. His silent and courageous mission is important in the human family and fills the world with peace. We say to you once again: Thank you, Holy Family, because you are our strength, the column on which the humanity relies. You fill with hope a world that without you would lose all perspective of LIFE! __________________________
(1) Pierre Bienvenu Noailles – 1851 (2) Gaudium et Spes (3) Luc 4,4 (4) Luc 2, 51 (5) Jn. 19,25
|
