R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.

To all the beloved parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Carmel — Saint Anthony of Padua, a very blessed and Happy New Year 2023, year of our Lord — Felice Anno Nuovo Duemila-ventitre, Anno del Signore. 

Today is a World Day of Peace, and we continue to pray for peace to replace the senseless war in the Ukraine and other atrocities which wound the people of the Nations and for peace in our homes, schools, workplaces, communities, even parishes.  

Today is also  the eighth day of the Octave of Christmas when Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple for circumcision in accord with the Law of the Lord and He is given the Holy name of Jesus.  Let us purge our lives from all forms of cursing and taking the Name of the Lord in vain, for Holy is His Name. Let us, if we have to, wash out our own mouths out with soap.  

And today we honor and celebrate Mary the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God.  As defined by as infallible doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church by the Ecumenical Council of the Ephesus in the year 431, Mary gave birth to Jesus the Word made Flesh, Jesus, fully human and fully Divine, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, the very Son of God; and therefore, she is in every way the very Mother of God.  

We are very privileged to have our parish named Our Lady of Mount Carmel — Saint Anthony of Padua parish, under their patronage, but in a special way under her patronage for she is the Mother of God. Her Body gave birth to the Body of God, Jesus.  Let us with her help treat our bodies, redeemed by the Body of Jesus born of Mary, as genuine Temples of the Holy Spirit with chastity, purity and true Christlike virtues.  Let us never forget that we are the Church as the Body of Christ — with all the members respecting  the other members of the Body so that working in harmony we form one mystical Body of Christ. Mary, Mother of God, Mother of the Church, pray for us.  Buon Felice Anno Nuovo Duemilaventitre, year of our Lord. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Monsignor Michael J. Cariglio, Jr., Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica – Saint Anthony Parish

The LORD said to Moses:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon
you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and
give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them.”

R. (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. May God bless us in his mercy.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. May God bless us in his mercy.

Brothers and sisters:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under the law,
to ransom those under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as sons.
As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.

It has long been a Catholic understanding that when circumstances prevent one from receiving Holy Communion, it is possible to make an Act of Spiritual Communion, which is a source of grace. Spiritual Communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament and lovingly embrace him at a time or in circumstances when one cannot receive Him in sacramental Communion. The most common reason for making an Act of Spiritual Communion is when a person cannot attend Mass. Acts of Spiritual Communion increase our desire to receive sacramental Communion and help us avoid the sins that would make us unable to receive Holy Communion worthily.

Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things and I desire to receive you in my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally,

Come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

And unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.