The Feast of the Holy Family, celebrated by Roman Catholics, falls on the first Sunday after Christmas. While distinct feast days exist for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph individually, this particular celebration honors their life together and highlights the importance of religious family life. Among the Copts, a commemoration of the Holy Family, particularly connected to their flight into Egypt, has ancient roots. However, in Western Christianity, the collective veneration of the Holy Family emerged in the 17th century. It was formally recognized as a feast in 1921 by Pope Benedict XV. Initially observed on the Sunday after Epiphany (January 6), the feast was moved in 1969 to the Sunday following Christmas, ensuring it remains within the Christmas season.
The Holy Family comprises Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph. At the center of this sacred unit is Jesus, the Word-made-Flesh, the Son of God who became man for the salvation of humanity. Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, making her His Mother according to His human nature.
Why Celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family?
This feast honors Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the holiest of families and provides a model for Christian households. Their holiness was rooted in their unwavering focus on God, their selfless love and sacrifices for one another, and their mission to spread divine love and salvation through Christ.
Pope St. John Paul II expressed the significance of the Holy Family beautifully:
“The Redeemer of the world chose the family as the place for his birth and growth, thereby sanctifying this fundamental institution of every society” (Angelus, December 30, 2001).
Through this celebration, families are called to reflect on their faith, unity, and love, drawing inspiration from the Holy Family’s example.
