Remember the Feast of the Holy Spouses on January 23
A lesser-known centuries-old feast that celebrates the marriage of Saint Joseph and Mary is growing in recognition. The better-known one is the Feast of the Holy Family, usually celebrated on the Sunday after Christmas. This feast, however, brings focus on the promises made in the marriage covenant of Joseph and Mary. It was first observed in the late 1400s in some areas. The Oblates of Saint Joseph integrated it into their calendar in the 1880s. The reorganization of the Catholic liturgical calendar in 1961 removed the observance, but it returned in 1989. The Oblate website, holyspouses.org, has information about prayers for Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and a Holy Spouses Rosary. Support of “the domestic church” is an essential mission of the Knights. The organization believes “How you live your faith in your councils, families, parishes and community has a ripple effect that changes the world… [and] deliberately chooses to live contrary to what seems like a Godless world and says, ‘In our home, council and parish, we choose to live our faith.’” On January 23, pray for families, engaged couples, and those contemplating marriage, especially those who find themselves in challenging situations. May the holy promises that Saint Joseph and Mary made inspire each of us to strive for devoted lives in the fullness of God’s grace.