Jan. 23 - Espousals of Mary and Joseph

[MariaChristi]

You give the Church the joy of celebrating the feast of the Holy Spouses, Mary and Joseph: in her, full of grace and worthy Mother of your Son, you signify the beginning of the Church, resplendently beautiful bride of Christ; you chose him, the wise and faithful servant, as Husband of the Virgin Mother of God, and made him head of your family, to guard as a father your only Son, conceived by the work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The history of today’s Feast of the Espousals of Mary and Joseph is traced by Dr. Taylor Marshall HERE. How very beautiful is this couple whom God has blessed in miraculous and beautiful ways! The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and she conceived the Incarnate Word in her womb. Her “Yes” to God is the model of our faith, hope and charity. Mary is both Mother and Model for the Church. St. Joseph chosen by God to protect Mary and the Child Jesus, is the Patron now of the Universal Church.

In 1961 the Sacred Congregation of Rites issued an instruction that removed from particular calendars numerous particular feasts, including the Feast of the Espousals of Mary and St. Joseph, except in places where the feasts have a special connection with the place itself. In 1989, for example, the Oblates of St. Joseph obtained permission to celebrate on January 23 “The Holy Spouses Mary and Joseph” with the liturgical rank of “Feast,” and full proper texts, including a preface; which is quoted above, to begin this post.

Today, Jan. 23, in the USA, we have in our liturgy A Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of the Unborn. May the Holy Family intercede for us in this country and all over the world that the intrinsic evil of abortion may be recognized for the evil it is. May we all as the Family of God help those parents who may be in confusion and difficulties and thus severely tempted to choose death rather than life for their unborn child. Let us pray in particular for The Church to preach and teach ever more clearly the sanctity of family life.

Holy Family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, intercede for us before the Father, from Whom all blessings flow.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful. Kindle in us the fire of Your Love.