MANILA, Philippines — “In the face of sorrow and suffering, trials and difficulties, crises and conflicts, families, everywhere, may do well to imitate the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” said Balanga (Bataan) Bishop Ruperto C. Santos as he called on the faithful on the Feast of the Holy Family “to remain united and supportive of each other like the Holy Family.”

“Problems must never tear us apart. Sorrows and storms in life should serve to draw us closer. The Holy Family has shown us the way, they are united in their love of God and one another.”

Church officials said, the feast of the Holy Family was instituted to help counter the breakdown of the family unit. Its main purpose was to present the Holy Family: Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Joseph as the model for all Christian families and for domestic life in general. Devotion to the Holy Family naturally grows out of love for Jesus and His family. The feast also serves as a reminder for families of the importance of hearing mass together, as well as reading the Sacred Scriptures regularly, praying daily as a family unit, and imitating the actions of the Holy Family.

Traditionally observed on the first Sunday after Christmas, Pope Leo XIII initiated the observance in 1893. Pope Benedict XV extended the feast to the Universal Church in 1921. Several religious congregations and schools were founded under this title.