As I write this column, I am preparing to attend the annual state convention of the Knights of Columbus in Hot Springs this weekend, and I'm reflecting on the Church's liturgical calendar.

This Sunday is the first of May which is traditionally the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, but because it falls on a Sunday, it is being celebrated on the sixth Sunday of Easter.  May is also the month of Mary, a time when we give special attention to Mary through May crowning and other devotions.  In addition, the Knights of Columbus are promoting a "Building the Domestic Church" program which focuses on the family and what we can do to strengthen the family in all areas, including, and maybe especially, spiritual life.

In the future, I pray that many parishes will give special attention to the Holy Family (Jesus, Mary, Joseph) and have a weekend in which everyone at Mass prays a "Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family" which comes from the Knights of Columbus.  While the month of May would seem to be ideal to do this, it may actually take place sometime in the months ahead.  Let's keep Mary and Joseph in our minds and hearts not only in May, but throughout the year and throughout our lives as we seek to follow the example of their holy lives and ask for their intercession for many needs, including the protection and promotion of family life in a world that needs, stable, holy families.  It wasn't that long ago that Pope Francis was in Philadelphia promoting the family, and it is wonderful and fruitful whenever we do the same.