Heartbeat of the month - January
In this month of January, we find the most important feast of the Virgin Mary: Mother of God. It is because of this mission of being the Mother of the Savior, and because she fulfilled it to perfection in her entire life, for which Mary was clothed with so many graces. The dogma of the Divine Motherhood, declared solemnly at the Council of Ephesus (431) is especially important in these times, in which the divinity of Christ is being called into question and is being questioned by many people and there is an attempt to strip the Virgin Mary of the Titles and Graces with which she was endowed by God.
Furthermore, January is the month in which the Church celebrates and venerates in special way the Most Holy Name of Jesus. If we believe that it is the “Name above all names,” let us put Jesus above all our preferences, desires and will, so that His true will be done in us.
The admirable Virginity of Mary, Mother of God
“Blessed in all things is Mary, who lacked neither humility nor virginity. Her virginity was singular, for she did not violate, but rather honored, her fruitfulness; no less illustrious was her humility, which did not diminish, but rather magnify, her fruitful virginity; and entirely incomparable was the fruitfulness that virginity and humility together accompanied. Which of these things is not admirable? Which is not incomparable? Which is not singular? It will be a marvel if, pondering them, you do not hesitate to judge which you will consider more worthy of your admiration; that is, whether the fruitfulness in a virgin or the integrity in a mother is more wondrous; her dignity because of the fruit of her most chaste womb or her humility with such great dignity; but rather, without a doubt, each of these things should be preferred to all of them together, and it is incomparably more excellent and more blessed to have had them all than merely some. And what a marvel that God, whom we read and see as admirable in his saints, has shown himself to be even more wondrous in his Mother?” Therefore, you who are married, venerate the integrity and purity of the body in the mortal body; you holy virgins, admire also the fruitfulness of a virgin; imitate, all men, the humility of the Mother of God; honor, holy angels, the Mother of your King, you who adore the Son of our Virgin, our King and yours together, restorer of our lineage and restorer of your city. To whose dignity, so sublime among you and so humble among us, be given, by you as well as by us, the reverence that is due to it; and to His dignity, honor and glory for all ages. Amen.
Saint Bernard
The thorns of December
The Gospel of Saint Luke recounts that, at the moment of the Crucifixion, the Lord raised a prayer to Heaven: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Lk 23:34). Let us imitate his example and ask forgiveness for those who scourge, betray, abandon, and crucify His Church.
For those who seek to impose their agenda and ideology on the Church. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who make pacts with the devil and scandalize and abandon the faithful. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who abuse and desecrate the temples – and those who allow it. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For the shepherds who love most the glory of a8> the men who the Glory of God. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who continue to promote synodality, a path that leads to perdition. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
For those who despise even the most sacred and return to crucify You. Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.
The purpose of January
Set specific spiritual goals for the year 2026 and ask the Lord help to fulfill them starting this month of January.
Include prayer, the Rosary, reading of the Holy Scriptures, and that which the Lord inspires you and leads you to seek the Truth.
