St. Ann's Circle - Seguin, Texas

01/03/2026

✨ **January: The Holy Name of Jesus** ✨

The Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a special devotion, and January is devoted to the **Holy Name of Jesus**—a name rich in meaning, history, and saving power.

This devotion is beautifully tied to the beginning of the year. Eight days after Christmas, in keeping with Jewish custom, Jesus was given His name—**a name that means “God saves.”** The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, celebrated on January 3, invites us to honor that sacred name with love, respect, and reverence.

The name of Jesus is not just spoken—it is powerful, holy, and life-giving. This month is a perfect time to renew our devotion and let His name shape our hearts and lives.

💛 **Ways to dedicate January to the Holy Name of Jesus:**

1️⃣ **Acts of reparation** – When you hear the Holy Name taken in vain, gently respond in your heart or aloud: *“Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”*

2️⃣ **Loving aspirations** – Whisper His name often throughout the day: *“Jesus,” “My Jesus,” or “Jesus, I love You.”* Use reminders to help keep His name on your lips and in your heart.

3️⃣ **Mental prayer** – Spend quiet time reflecting on the power and gentleness of the name of Jesus. Let it bring peace and presence into your life.

4️⃣ **Memorize Scripture** that proclaims the power of His Name:
📖 *“If you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it to you.”* (John 16:23)
📖 *“There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”* (Acts 4:12)
📖 *“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”* (Philippians 2:9–11)

5️⃣ **Pray the Mass attentively**, especially when the name of Jesus is spoken, reflecting on the saving power of the Sacred Liturgy.

6️⃣ **Acts of charity** – Serve others intentionally *in the name of Jesus*, offering love and mercy for His glory.

7️⃣ **Live the meaning of His Name** – Remember that Jesus is our Savior and strive to reflect His virtues in your daily life.

🌿 **This January**, may we speak and think of Jesus with deeper reverence and love. As we honor His Holy Name in our prayers, actions, and thoughts, may our faith be strengthened, our love deepened, and our hearts drawn ever closer to Him—by the power of His Name.

✝️ *Jesus, Name above every name.*

12/03/2025

Saint Francis Xavier intercede for our petitions. ✝️🙏🏻

The Story of Saint Francis Xavier and the Crab.
In 1546, Saint Francis Xavier was traveling by sea to Malacca (in modern-day Malaysia). What began as a calm voyage quickly turned into a nightmare. Dark clouds rolled in, the wind roared, and towering waves smashed against the ship. The sailors clung to anything they could hold, certain that the storm would swallow them whole.

As the waves raged, Francis Xavier, in an act of faith, took his crucifix and, with prayer, dipped it into the sea, asking God to use it as an instrument to calm the turbulent waters. Almost instantly, the wind began to soften. The towering waves sank back into the ocean as though soothed by an unseen hand. Within moments, the sea became calm—so calm that it looked like a mirror stretching to the horizon.

But in that moment of relief, Francis realized something painful: the crucifix had slipped from his hand and disappeared into the deep. The storm had ended, yet the saint felt a deep sadness for the cross he cherished.

The next morning, after reaching land, Francis Xavier walked alone to the shore to pray. The sun was rising, shining gently across the water. As he knelt in silence, something small glimmered near the surface of the sea.

A crab slowly emerged from the water, its shell glistening under the morning light. And clutched firmly in one of its claws was the lost crucifix. The little creature crawled straight toward the saint and stopped at his feet, as if presenting the precious cross with reverence.

Deeply moved, Francis Xavier took the cross and blessed the humble crab. According to legend, ever since that day, a species of crab in the region—Charybdis feriata—bears a natural marking on its shell that resembles a cross, a reminder of the miracle and the faith of the saint.