"...We humbly entreat Thee, that ... Thou wouldst vouchsafe to bless † and sanctify † these candles for the service of men and for the health of their bodies and souls..."

"...They found the Child with Mary his Mother and falling down, they adored him. And opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ...They went back another way..." - Matthew 2

The month of January opens with the day upon which our Savior received His most Holy Name, which day is promptly followed by the liturgical celebration of the sweetness and power of His Name. We are still basking in the glow of Christmastide, our meditation still focused closely upon the creche, learning from Mary and Joseph to silently contemplate our Salvation, when the Church reminds us to dwell upon His precious Name. With the revelation of His Name, He reveals His desire to save us, His yearning for us to call upon Him, His desire to come to our aid. Our Community custom during this time is to invoke His sweet name throughout the day, praying, "Most Holy Name of Jesus, save us!"

"When creating us, God loved us so much that He made us to His own image and likeness; when redeeming us, He loved us so much that He made Himself to our image!" Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen