Jeanie Hannaman

By Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas, The Catholic Thing - The Church, “expert in humanity” (as Pope Paul VI put it), knows that the mystery of Christmas (like that of Easter) is so great that it cannot be adequately plumbed – let alone celebrated – in a single day.  And so, taking a page out of our Jewish liturgical heritage, the Church gives us an octave observance – eight full days to consider the central doctrine of the Incarnation, enabling us to reflect on it from a variety of perspectives, not unlike holding a diamond up to the sun to appreciate its beauty from many different angles.

By Fr. Jerry Pokorsky, Catholic Culture - Catholics are accustomed to viewing the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the model for every family. Yet because all three were celibate—understood in a broad and proper sense—this connection requires clarification. Mary was perpetually a virgin. Joseph was her “most chaste spouse.” The celibacy of Jesus was integral to His sacred mission... Far from undermining family life, virginity and celibacy buttress and strengthen every holy family because they signify obedience, unity, and love ordered toward God. ...