Holy Church in her wisdom, begins the secular New Year honoring Mary, Mother of God, imploring her much-needed intercession along with the Circumcision of Our Lord in the traditional calendar. The significance of the Circumcision is twofold: Our Blessed Infant Lord, though the Son of God, was still subject to the Law and this is the ritual in which He received the Name “Jesus,” meaning “God saves.” This Name invokes both the identity and mission of Christ.
Following the Circumcision, we celebrate the Holy Name of Jesus, which is also the theme of the Month of January. We begin a new year contemplating the Name of Christ Jesus. We honor His identity as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity and His mission as our Redeemer, the shedding of His innocent Blood at the Circumcision, a reminder of His Sacrifice upon the Cross. What better way to start a new year than to flee to Our Lord and His Mother!
“Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33
Epiphany of Our Lord is held on January 6th, in both the trad and new calendars. The feast of the Holy Family is Sunday, the 7th, which is also the new feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The trad feast of the Baptism is on the 13th. Our Lady of Prompt Succor is honored on the 15th.
Septuagesima Sunday is the 28th, beginning the short season of Septuagesima, a preparation for Lent.
As we discussed a “Marian Triad of the Months” from August to October, we now celebrate a “Christological Triad of the Months” from December to February: The Divine Infancy, the Holy Name and the Passion of Our Lord. Please note, these “triads” are not official Church ideas, but something unique to this Apostolate. We strive to see how these months tie together theological themes and present an opportunity for prayer and meditation. This ministry also has a special dedication to the Holy Name and Our Lady of Fatima.
Traditional Catholic Calendar for January
New Year’s Blessings to all! Let us pray for a holy, happy and healthy 2024 and think positively about the coming year.
This is the year the Lord has made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
By the way, how did you do with the December Prepper Challenge? It’s totally understandable if Christmastime got in your way. The good news is…there’s a new month…and a new year…to continue to work on our “15 Points Preparedness Worksheet.” Scroll down to the December post or find it on the Home page. Choose the 5 things you think are most important right now and make a plan. Your future self will thank you! And feel free to email us and share your progress-comments may be posted.