Lots To Celebrate Today!

HAPPY 10^TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

“On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, ten lords a-leaping ...”

HAPPY FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY

The Solemnity of the Epiphany is celebrated either on January 6 or, according to the decision of the episcopal conference, on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8. The young Messiah is revealed as the light of the nations. Yet, as the antiphon for the Magnificat at Second Vespers reminds us, three mysteries are encompassed in this solemnity: the adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, the Baptism of Christ and the wedding feast at Cana. Extra candles and/or lamps may be placed around the sanctuary and in other parts of the church to honor Christ revealed as the Light of the Gentiles (Ceremonial of Bishops). It is customary to replace the images of the shepherds at the crib with the three Magi and their gifts. — Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year, Msgr. Peter J. Elliott, Ignatius Press. - See more at: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2016-01-03#sthash.WKXFkicP.dpuf

HAPPY feast of the MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS

The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Historically, this feast is associated with the Feast of the Circumcision. According to Jewish law, on the 8th day after his birth a male child was circumcised, received his name, and became a full member of God's covenant people. The name 'Jesus' means 'God Saves' and was the Child's name given to Joseph by an angel. Devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus was popularized by St. Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan, often symbolized by the monogram IHS (denoting the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus). Today the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 3rd.

HAPPY feast of ST. GENEVIEVE OF PARIS

St. Genevieve of Paris (c.422-512) was just seven years old when Bishop St. Germanus (Germain) prophesied to her parents about her future sanctity. St. Genevieve desired to live in a state of perpetual virginity, and under the bishop she made her vows. St. Germanus gave her a brass medal engraved with a cross as a reminder of her consecration to Christ. In her teens she received the religious veil under the Bishop of Paris. She lived a life of prayer, charity, and austerity. When her parents died she lived with her grandmother in Paris, often visting other cities where she performed miracles. Her enemies plotted to kill her and the people turned against her, but when St. Germanus came to her defense, she was greatly revered. St. Genevieve was famous for her gift of prophecy and reading consciences. She became known as the "Patron Saint of Paris" after she helped avert an attack by Attila the Hun and prevented famine during a siege by penetrating a military blockade with boatloads of grain. She is the patron saint against fever, plague, and disasters. Saint Genevieve's feast day is January 3rd.

HAPPY FEAST OF ST DANIEL OF PADUA

Saint Daniel of Padua (died 168 AD) is venerated as the deacon of Saint Prosdocimus, the first Bishop of Padua. Said to have been of Jewish extraction, he aided Prosdocimus, who evangelized northeastern Nava. Daniel was later martyred.  Daniel's relics, translated on January 3, 1064, lie in the cathedral of Padua.  He is the patron saint of women whose husbands are at war.