Prayer to the Holy Family of Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II offered several prayers related to the Holy Family and the family unit throughout his pontificate, reflecting his deep concern for these institutions. One notable prayer, often referred to as his "Prayer for Families," emphasizes the family as a "true shrine of life and love" and seeks divine guidance for spouses and support for the young. This prayer begins by addressing God as the source from whom "every family in Heaven and on earth takes its name" It asks that through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, every family may become a sanctuary of life and love for successive generations. The prayer further requests that God's grace guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and all families globally. It also seeks solid support for the human dignity and growth in truth and love for the young within the family. Finally, it prays that love, strengthened by the sacrament of marriage, may overcome weaknesses and trials, and through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the Church may fulfill its mission in and through the family.

Another prayer attributed to Pope John Paul II, specifically on the Feast of the Holy Family, invokes the protection and example of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. In this prayer, Joseph is recognized as the "guardian and protector of the Holy Family," and intercession is sought so that all within the home may be guided in their daily work and journey of faith through his example of holy obedience. Mary, as the mother through whom Christ sanctified homes, is asked to help believers grow in holiness through her example of compassion and merciful love. Jesus is asked to graciously look upon the home, dedicating it to the Holy Family in peace, faith, and merciful love, and to protect those both present and absent, welcoming the departed into His heavenly home. Saint John Paul II himself stated that the Holy Family of Nazareth is the "prototype and example for all Christian families" He wished for St. Joseph to always guard, protect, and enlighten families, and for the Virgin Mary to be the "Mother of the Church of the home" He also prayed that Christ, the "King of families," would be present in every Christian home, bestowing light, joy, serenity, and strength, just as He was at Cana.

Pope John Paul II consistently highlighted the importance of the family, referring to it as the "environment of life and love" and often subjected to threats. He urged families to look to the Holy Family of Nazareth as an example of genuine love and charity, providing a model for engaged couples, spouses, and for fostering faith, harmony, solidarity, mutual respect, and openness to life in every home. He also emphasized the commandment to "Honour your father and your mother," noting that while addressed to children, it implicitly tells parents to "Seek to deserve the honour!" His teachings underscored the family's vital role in society and the need for divine grace to sustain it. The Pope of the Family, as he was known, taught the beauty and sanctity of marriage and family life, and prayers often invoke his intercession for the protection and blessing of families, guiding spouses and inspiring parents to raise children in faith and love.

PRAYER :" Holy Family of Nazareth, a community of love offered by Jesus, Mary and Joseph to one another, model and ideal for every Christian family. We entrust our families to you. Open the heart of every home to the faith, to acceptance of the Word of God, to Christian witness, so that it may become a source of new and holy vocations. Mold the minds of parents, so that they may guide children with zealous charity, prudent care and loving mercy to attain spiritual and eternal blessings. Form a righteous conscience and a free will in the souls of young people, so that they may generously accept the gift of a divine calling, growing in "wisdom, stature and grace." Holy Family of Nazareth, by contemplating and imitating your faithfulness in prayer, your dignified poverty and virginal purity, grant that we may all strive to fulfill the will of God and accompany by wisdom and discretion those among us who are called to follow more closely the Lord Jesus who "has given himself" to us. Amen. "