Happy New Year

The Octave Day of Christmas
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2:16-21 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Prayer Reflection

Dear Father we have journeyed far to come to find you. Throughout our life we have paid attention to your promptings of the Spirit that guides us to you. Today as we start the New Year we start it with our Heavenly Mother on her Solemnity. What a fitting way to begin a New Year to know that Mary was the first person who held your Son within her body, clean from any stain of sin. Where she held everything that was ever said to her dear to her heart. Her contemplation of your love and the love in her heart for your Son whom we call Jesus. What a blessing she is for us and she too blesses us each day by being with us as a Mother. Wouldn't we do anything for our Mother's to make them happy and see them smile. Her only desire is for us to love you dear Father and to love your Son Jesus. May we start off this New Year on the right path that leads us ever closer to you. Amen