A New Year’s blessing from the Loretto Community

All we need to do is to turn to the evening news and see families that are endangered, separated or captured for their nationality or for some other tragedy that has happened to them. The Gospel Sunday, Dec. 28 – the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph – was the story of the angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him to take his family to Egypt so they could be safe. Herod was looking for Jesus to destroy him. The good news is that the Holy Family was able to return to Nazareth after Herod died. 

Families today experience chaos and uncertainty. We are all family to each other, to the family of our origin, to the family down the street who needs help, to the immigrant family. How can we be family to each other? Who has been family to you when you needed one? May the Holy Family bless us all.

The Loretto Community invites you to walk the path of peace with us. We are called to live in the light, following the star, sharing our gifts with one another, being people who sing of “peace on earth and mercy mild.” Epiphany, celebrated in most parishes Jan. 4, is a journey, taken by all believers as we continue to live in the heart of God and watch for the completion of God’s promise. Join us. All of Loretto wishes you this blessing for the New Year:

May God bless and keep you.
May God’s face shine on you and be gracious to you.
May God bring you, and our world, peace.