Happy New Year! On Sunday, January 4th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. It is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. Let us acknowledge and witness together this epiphanic revelation of God, whose salvation is for all.  

Following the Epiphany of the Lord, Catholic Canadians memorialize St. André Bessette and his deep devotion to Saint Joseph. Known as Brother André, he was the porter at College Notre Dame in Montreal, welcoming visitors and inviting them to pray through St. Joseph’s intercession. This led to the creation of a small chapel, which later became St. Joseph’s Oratory. As the patron of family caregivers, St. André’s intercession for the sick and afflicted can be sought by praying the attached prayer.

The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Jesus’ baptism reminds us of our mission to experience the presence of God within us, to acknowledge our own dignity as God’s children, and to appreciate the Divine Presence in others by honoring them, loving them and serving them in all humility.  

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated around the world January 18-25, though the week may be observed to include two Sundays. The theme for this year is, Do you believe this? (John 11-26) in recognition that 2025 marks the 1700th anniversary of the first Christian Ecumenical Council held in Nicea, Constantinople. Christians express their personal “I believe” in praying the Nicene Creed and seeking a deeper understanding of ecumenism by meeting, celebrating liturgy and praying our oneness in Christ with Christians of other denominations.  

St. Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan in 1869, was kidnapped at age nine and sold into slavery. Her captors gave her the name "Bakhita," meaning "fortunate." She endured brutal treatment, being sold multiple times. At 14, she was bought by an Italian consul whose kindness led to her conversion to Christianity. She was baptized as Josephine and chose religious life after gaining freedom in adulthood. Her memorial, celebrated on February 8th, is an occasion to pray for victims of human trafficking and continued awareness and advocacy against it.