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 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.