Holy Family

The Holy Family consists of a family of three, namely mother Mary, father Joseph and child Jesus. This family knows poverty, simplicity and a sober lifestyle. The Holy Family is depicted as living together harmoniously. In sculpture, literature, and painting, the exemplary family is a Holy Family.

In depictions of the Holy Family, angels are often shown making music because the Saviour (Jesus) is part of this family.

Work needs to be done for the formation of the Holy Family. Mary is asked by an angel to give birth to the Son of God, but she does not know a man with whom she conceives. Mary is reassured and says she will serve God. A little later, Joseph doubts his place, as Mary is pregnant before he lives with her. An angel comes to Joseph to alleviate his uncertainty. This angel tells him in a dream that what has been conceived in Mary comes from the Holy Spirit. After this, the foster father's doubt disappears and he accepts Mary as his wife. This is described in the New Testament by the evangelist Matthew 1:18-25.

Around 1360, the “Meditationes Vitae Christi” (Latin for “Meditations on the Life of Christ”) was written. This took place in the Italian region of Tuscany by a Franciscan monk. The writer wanted to give new validity to thoughts about the Holy Family and bring them closer to believers. He achieved this through romantic descriptions of the model family. The monk wrote this for a Franciscan nun, a Clarissan. He depicted in words how Mary saw Joseph suffering. Mary remained silent about the pregnancy, not wanting to reveal this secret from God. If she had, given the prevailing culture, she would have been considered bad and sinful, resulting in mockery and ostracism. Mary prayed for God to alleviate Joseph's suffering and thereby resolve her dilemma. In response, God sent an angel to Joseph, who visited him in his sleep. The angel explained that the Child in Mary's womb came from the Holy Spirit. The angel also instructed him to trust Mary and remain with her. Through the angel, God ensured that peace returned to Mary and Joseph. This story presented the Holy Family in a devout manner. The writing monk felt this was necessary because the New Testament says little about this phase of the life of the pregnant Mary and foster father Joseph.

The virtuous, sincere and loving relationship with each other serves as the example for families. The Holy Family stands as a model for the family as the cornerstone of society. This family is the example for civilised morality.