The Holy Innocents

 The Holy Innocents, the Infant Martyrs of Bethlehem 



December 28th honors the infants slain by Herod's jealousy after the birth of Christ and the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt as refugees. In 2024 we remember in a certain way all the children who are victims of the cruelty of Israeli soldiers in Palestine. As Bethlehem is in Palestine, the evil committed there today, especially against children re echoes the sorrow and solemnity of today’s feast and how the Christ Child, the Newborn King commands a ceasefire! The Coventry Carol is a haunting song for today’s feast. Today we reflect on the Flight to Egypt (the second of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, an efficacious devotion) it's also one of the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph. Today's feast is a unique point in our Christmas celebrations where we reflect that from even from His Infancy, Christ was sought out for death until He laid down His life for us on the Cross.

About the Holy Innocents

More About the Holy Innocents

Holy Innocents Day (Note that the color purple is no longer used but red instead for the blood of the martyrs and the Gloria is still sung as well as the Alleluia for Christ has come to us on Christmas and we are still rejoicing in the octave.)

Tomb of the Holy Innocents (Starts at 8 minutes into video)

A Mystical Witness of the Holy Innocents

 Artist's Depictions of the Slaughter of the Innocents

Holy Innocents in Art

I would like to provide here the annual reminder that Christmas Day is only the beginning of the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord. The joy and “intensity” of Christmas Day continues through to the octave of Christmas which is January 1st. There’s also the feast of the Holy Family and Three Kings Day, December 31st and January 7th respectively. In fact, some countries celebrate Christmas on the Feast of the Epiphany. The feast of Christ’s Baptism on January 14th will close out liturgically the Christmas season when Ordinary Time begins. Devotionally the focus on Christ’s birth is emphasized until February 2nd, the feast of the Presentation. The devotion to the Infant Jesus and the Christmas spirit ought to be on our hearts year round but the outward celebrations of Christmas continue with the solemnity of Christmas Day until New Year’s Day!!! Let’s also recognize that after 4,000 years of desiring for the Messiah, Mary’s 9 months of carrying Him in her Immaculate womb awaiting His arrival and her travel with St. Joseph to Bethlehem how the joy of Jesus’ birth would’ve lasted beyond on day. I know it’s hard to remain in the spirit of Christmas once the 25th passes especially when stores have already began putting out Valentine’s Day (I even saw a couple stores with Easter!) but these days also remind us that Christ was born to die for us, Christmas came so Easter could and thus we must remain in the joy of Christmas until the triumph of the Resurrection! We also look forward to receiving Jesus in each Eucharist as a mini Christmas and His arrival at the Second Coming. The final reason I emphasize this is because we cannot always get together on Christmas Day and in this case celebrating after the 25th isn’t any less important and special! The magic of Christmas is forever! As we now draw close to the New Year, please keep up your Christmas decorations and maintain your Christmas spirit but it’s an appropriate time to begin planning our resolutions. 

Mental Health Resolutions

How to Keep Your Resolutions







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Daily Reads  Saint of the Day (For further info see Detailed Catholic Calendar  and  The Holy See , if you select Bulletin or News on this website you’ll see the Holy Father’s schedule and messages. The monthly intention of the Pope is also published  here. ) Marian Calendar Daily Holidays   More Daily Holidays This Day in National History This Month at a Glance  (Holidays and special events this month)  Diversity Calendar An Easy Way to Become a Saint Meditations for Those Consecrated to Mary Consecration Aids To Our Lady of Perpetual Help Note: According the the current Handbook on Indulgences a plenary indulgence can be gained once a year on a day of your choosing by visiting a sacred place. See here #33 2d and 4b Various Links  Note:  For people with scrupulosity or OCD, you don't need to read through every source or every post, just look for what you need. Some sources with a plethora of info have a search bar. As always if you have a ...
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Happy June

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Happy April

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  Each month of the calendar year is dedicated to a Catholic Devotion. In April   it is  the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit .   This is because Easter is typically in April and when it is in March the season still continues through April and the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Spirit have a special role in the Easter mysteries. More information on Catholic belief about the Eucharist can be found Here and Here.  April 1st is also April Fools’ Day (see below). April 1st is also the beginning of Arab American Heritage Month  and Earth Month . Finally, for those lovers of Halloween like myself, look for “Halfway to Halloween” events happening near you or on streaming services like Shudder. The themes of Halloween overlap with those of the Lenten season as well and thus spooky movies during Lent are most appropriate as  Lent continues into the month of April this year. Daily Reads  Weather Lore Calendar Lunar Folklore  The Pink Moon Full Moon Folklo...
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