Greetings!

January 23^rd - Patronal Feastday

Dear Friends of the Stigmatines,

Each year on January 23^rd, the Stigmatines celebrate their "Patronal Feastday" - the Feast of the Holy Espousals of Mary and Joseph.

The "Espousals" may be seen from the perspective of "faithful commitment" and this theme is the beautiful legacy left to our Stigmatine Community by our Founder, Saint Gaspar Bertoni. As Mary and Joseph pledged their fidelity and commitment to one another at their "engagement" (Espousals), so our Founder wanted his followers to be "faithful and committed" in their ministries.

No matter what we are called to do "for the assistance of Bishops" (seminary formation, parish ministry, counseling, retreat ministry, missions), we are called to perform our ministries as Mary and Joseph did - with zeal and commitment - all for the up-building of God's Kingdom. Our Retreat Center in Waltham, Massachusetts is named "The Espousal Retreat Center". Many programs of renewal are offered at the Center - including the important ministry of promoting good and healthy marriages. We foster Mary & Joseph's example especially with monthly Pre-Cana Programs and retreats for those who have received the Sacrament of Matrimony. For further information about these and many other retreat programs, please feel free to contact the Espousal Retreat Center, 554 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA - 02452 or view our website.

Our Liturgical Year is now celebrating what is called Ordinary Time - a wonderful opportunity to evaluate our everyday lives and so make a renewed "commitment" to serve the Lord in His Church. Jesus very often comes to us in the rather "ordinary" events of everyday living. May you truly find the Lord in the people and events of daily life. Please be sure the the Stigmatines are praying for you everyday - especially in our daily Masses and prayers. We ask for your prayers, too.

Like every other religious community, the Stigmatines are in special need of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life. To carry on our "mission" of fidelity and commitment, after the example of our Patrons, Mary & Joseph, we need more men who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the Lord and His Church. Will you kindly keep this intention in your daily prayers? Thank you!

During these winter months, may the intercession of our Holy Patrons, Mary and Joseph, be your daily inspiration. Thank you for visiting our website. We hope your visit to this website has been informative and helpful in your journey of faith.

Sincerely in Mary and Joseph,

 The Stigmatine Fathers of Holy Spouses Province