The Pope speaks about the Holy Family at the General Audience
At the school of prayer
in the house in Nazareth
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our continuing catechesis on prayer leads us, during this Christmas season,
to reflect on the place of prayer in the life of the Holy Family of Nazareth. In
the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we learn to contemplate the mystery of God’s
presence and to grow as faithful disciples of
Christ.
The Gospels present Mary as the supreme model of prayerful medition on the
mysteries of Christ’s life; in praying the Rosary, in fact, we unite ourselves
to her contemplation of those mysteries in faith and hope. Saint Joseph
fulfilled his vocation as the father of the Holy Family by teaching Jesus the
importance of quiet fidelity to work, prayer and observance of the precepts of
the Law. Jesus’ unique relationship with his heavenly Father was reflected in
the prayer life of the Holy Family and stands at the heart of all Christian
prayer. May the example of the Holy Family inspire all Christian families to be
schools of prayer, where parents and children alike come to know that closeness
to God which we joyfully celebrate in these days of Christmas.
I offer a warm welcome to the students and teachers from the Oak International
Academies. Upon all the English-speaking visitors present, including the
pilgrimage groups from Ireland, and the United States, I cordially invoke an
abundance of joy and peace in Christ our Newborn Saviour!
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