November is a special month for all of us as we remember and give thanks (even though the stores already are filled with Christmas items). We at Nazareth are even more blessed as we celebrate our Mother Foundress’ birthday on November 12th and feast day on the November 21st. This year, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd’s feast day falls on the eve of Thanksgiving.
As you start making your preparations for Thanksgiving, I would like to share with you an excerpt from a reflection that will be featured in “Give Us This Day: Daily Prayer for Today’s Catholic” again this year on November 21:
“…with the support of Pope Pius IX, she [Frances Siedliska] founded the Congregation of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Its members would ‘offer their prayers, works and their entire life for the Church and the Holy Father, and imitate the hidden life and virtues of the Holy Family.’”
This month, as we remember, give thanks and do our best to live the virtues of the Holy Family, I would also like to share with you this prayer through the intercession of Bl. Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd:
O most blessed Trinity, we praise and thank you
for the example your servant, Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd,
has given us by imitating the life and virtues of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Grant us the grace we ask through her intercession for your greater glory,
for the sanctification of souls and for the extension of your kingdom on earth.
Amen.
This week, spend some time reflecting on how you can “imitate the hidden life and virtues of the Holy Family.” What can you do to be of service to others and share a family spirit among the members of your own family and among the members of all our human family? May your week be blessed and filled with the spirit of our Mother Foundress.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
