A MONTH OF MANY OBSERVANCES

February is a month of many observances both in our spiritual lives as well as our secular lives.

February is Black History Month and February 3rd is the National Day of Prayer for the African American Family. This observance was instituted by Father James Goode, OFM in 1989 as an opportunity to give thanks for our families, and to entrust every family to the loving care of Jesus.

February 2nd the Church celebrates World Day of Consecrated Life celebrated on the Feast of the Presentation, Candlemas Day. It is a day of prayer for men and women in Consecrated Life recognizing their many contributions to the service of the Church.

February 3rd is the Feast of St. Blaise who is said to have been a physician as well as a bishop. Legend has it that Blaise saved the life of a boy who was choking on a fish bone. He is now the patron saint of all who have diseases of the throat. This is the day we bless throats with blessed candles.

National Marriage Week is February 7-14, 2019. The upcoming observances of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 10) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.

Other observances include the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking; February 8th the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita; and the World Day of the Sick to encourage people to pray for those who suffer from any illness and for their caregivers. There is also Valentine’s Day and Presidents weekend commemorating Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays.

These observances remind us of the constant need to pray for our world and all people who inhabit our world no matter who they are or what their state in life.