The Christian Home

The Holy Family by Giorgione, 1500

When I think of Christian homes, I like to imagine them as being full of the light and joy that were in the home of the Holy Family. The message of Christmas is heard in all its forcefulness: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will." "And may the peace of Christ triumph in your hearts," writes the Apostle. It is a peace that comes from knowing that our Father God loves us, and that we are made one with Christ. It results from being under the protection of the Virgin, our Lady, and assisted by St. Joseph. This is the great light that illuminates our lives. In the midst of difficulties and of our own personal failings, it encourages us to keep up our effort. Every Christian home should be a place of peace and serenity. In spite of the small frustrations of daily life, an atmosphere of profound and sincere affection should reign there together with a deep-rooted calm, which is the result of authentic faith that is put into practice.

-Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Christ is Passing By

St. Josemaría Escrivá, canonized by our beloved St. John Paul II, please join us in praying for a greater respect for the sacrament of marriage in America today, especially as we prepare for Domestic Church Day.

Three More Days

Dear Christian Families

Dear Christian families, proclaim joyfully to the whole world the wonderful treasure which you, as domestic churches, possess! Christian couples, in your communion of life and love, in your mutual self-giving and in your generous openness to children, become, in Christ, the light of the world. The Lord asks you daily to be like a lamp which does not remain hidden, but is put "on a stand, and ... gives light to all in the house" (Mt 5:15). 

-Saint John Paul II, 2003

Join Us For Domestic Church Day

The future of the world and of the Church passes through the family.   

-St. John Paul II

In preparation for the World Meeting of Families, which will take place in Philadelphia this coming September 22 to 25, the Saint John Paul II National Shrine invites families to a Domestic Church Day on Saturday, June 27, 2015. This will be a day of pilgrimage for families in order to strengthen their marriages and grow the bond of their love. It will include a barbecue picnic and lawn games on the beautiful shrine grounds. Priests will be available to hear confessions, and the shrine will hold a unique ceremony during which couples can touch their wedding rings to a first class relic of St. John Paul II. The day will conclude with a vigil Mass in the shrine’s chapel. See our website for more details.

Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!