Catholic Fire

El Greco's Adoration of the Holy Name of Jesus 1578/9 "...God greatly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in Heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2: 9-11) The Optional Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus This feast marks no progress in the development of the Church year. It merely embellishes the occasion just observed when the Child received the Name Jesus as had been foretold by the angel. The feast is meant to impress on us Christians the dignity of the Holy Name. (Catholic Culture) Today's Mass Readings The Tenth Day of Christmas On This Day in Catholic History 1431 - Joan of Arc is handed over to the Bishop Pierre Cauchon . 1521 - Pope Leo X excommunicates Martin Luther in the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem . 1840 - Blessed Damien of Molokai (Joseph de Veuster), Rom...

Today the Church celebrates the optional memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. The wonders of the Incarnate Word are revealed by singing the praises of His holy name. The name of Jesus means Savior; it had been shown in a dream to Joseph together with its meaning and to Our Lady at the annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel. Devotion to the Holy Name is deeply rooted in the Sacred Scriptures, especially in the Acts of the Apostles. It was promoted in a special manner by St. Bernard, St. Bernardine of Siena, St. John Capistrano and by the Franciscan Order. It was extended to the whole Church in 1727 during the pontificate of Innocent XIII. He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. ~ Luke 1: 49 "Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength! You are the refuge of those who repent, our banner of warfare in this life, the medicine of souls, the comfort of those who morn, the delight of those who believe, the light of those who preach the true faith...