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Modeling the Holy Family through Caregiving

December 20, 2021

From the Office for Social Ministry

The fourth week of Advent heightens our anticipation for the culmination of Christmas. Tis the season to be jolly … but for many people spending the holidays with loved ones who are sick, elderly or have special needs, it can also be a trying time. Some caregivers are so busy taking care of others that they forget to care of themselves. Fortunately, St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawai’i offers free monthly Caregiver Education and Wellness Classes  to offer support and to encourage all families to “Live every Moment.” January classes will cover a variety of caregiving topics that include arts and crafts, exercise, kidney health, long-term care options, and social security benefits. To register, visit their website.

Just as the Holy Family embraced each other during difficult circumstances, Pope Francis asks us to do the same: “...use the inventiveness of love, make phone calls, video calls, send messages, listen to them (seniors) and where possible….go to visit them.  Send them a hug.”  He also calls us to share joy with others who may not be feeling so joyful. By modeling the Holy Family, we can all be inspired to create a “happy home” that “…finds the spiritual energy to be open to the outside world, to others, to the service of brothers and sisters, to collaboration in building an ever new and better world.” 

Some suggested ways to model your ‘ohana after the Holy Family is to: 1) Be Grateful, 2) Be Joyful, 3) Be Absolutely Devoted, 4) Spend Time Together and 5) Sacrifice. May you all share the spirit of the Holy Family with joy, love and tenderness. E malama i kou kino a e aloha kekahi i kekahi – Take care of yourself and love one another.

Warmest Christmas Blessings from your friends at the Office for Social Ministry!