Today, January 17, is the Feast of Saint Anthony the Great, Father of Monks. May his prayers be with us.
"The monk is a man who sees a dimension beyond this life. He sees the next life with the eyes of faith and passionately anticipates eternity on this earth. “At the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage …there is no male or female…” This describes the next life, but the monk experiences it now." An excerpt from the article: “Monastic Life in the Church” by Father Edmond Khashan O.L.M.
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Image: Painting c.1465 in The Louvre in Paris. Photo by Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. on Flickr

​"And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways." Luke 1:76

Image: Fr Lawrence Lew, O.P. on Flickr

​Lord, you gave joy to the mountains of Judea with this marvelous newborn child. Give joy to us also in memory of his birth that we may hear your voice, announce your appearance among us, and fulfill your will. Maronite Liturgy

​"Be saints and sanctify the earth."
From the Third Experience of Raymond Nader with Saint Sharbel.

Read more from the Third Experience.
Read the story of Raymond Nader’s Experience with Saint Sharbel.

"Joseph’s attitude encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception, and to show special concern for the weak, for God chooses what is weak." Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis.
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The Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021.