This month’s focus on the line of the creed which encompasses the Incarnation provides the perfect opportunity to take up this challenge. The Incarnation – God becoming man – is the heart of God’s love for humanity.

During Mass, when we profess this line of the creed, we are instructed to make a profound bow or a bow of the body from the waist (not just a nod of the head). By moving our bodies from an upright position to being bent over, facing the ground, we express with our bodies the reality we profess – God humbled (or bowed) Himself to become flesh for us; we engage our entire body in this mystery.

“For God so loved the world, that he sent his only-begotten Son, that whoever should believe in him might have eternal life” (John 3:16). God desired to save us from our sins in order that we might be saved and spend eternity with him. He sent his Son – the Second person of the Trinity – to earth, to show us how to live in relationship with God, how to be God’s adopted sons and daughters, and how to allow Him to love us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 457-460)

Talk about majesty that embraces our frailty!

As you participate in Mass, remember that sitting, standing, and kneeling are not just “Catholic Calisthenics” but a beautiful act of worship with our whole body and soul.  Allow your heart and mind to be joyful in awe at the majesty of God’s love for you!

St. Maria Goretti, pray for us.

Every October, the streets of Peru are transformed into a sea of purple as thousands of Catholics gather to honor El Señor de los Milagros—the Lord of Miracles, a 17th century painting of Christ crucified on an adobe wall.

In 1655, a devastating earthquake struck Lima, destroying buildings and churches throughout the city. Yet the wall bearing the image of Christ remained standing. As people gathered to pray before it, devotion grew. Authorities eventually attempted to have the image removed, but according to tradition, the efforts were unsuccessful. Then, in 1687, another powerful earthquake struck Lima—and once again, the wall and image survived. The people responded with a procession of the image, beginning a tradition that continues centuries later.

Today, the Lord of Miracles is celebrated throughout October, with major processions traditionally taking place around October 18. Rather than being a single-day celebration like many saints’ feast days, the devotion unfolds throughout the month. Thousands walk behind a large replica of the sacred image as it travels through the streets, accompanied by prayers, incense, flowers, and songs. Devotees often wear purple, the traditional color of the devotion, symbolizing its penitential character.

The preserved painting is not important because Catholics worship the painting itself. Rather, it points to the Person depicted: Jesus Christ, who became man and gave Himself for our salvation and the miracles associated with such a depiction. 

At the heart of this devotion is the mystery we proclaim in the Creed: “For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man.”

The Lord of Miracles makes this mystery visible. God did not save us from a distance. He entered our humanity, suffered, and gave Himself on the Cross for us and for our salvation. As the image is carried through the streets, Peruvians publicly proclaim their faith in the Christ who became man and remains present to His people.

One Mission

Live Out/Celebrate the Incarnation: 

Set up a Nativity prayer corner — Let children help arrange the figures and place a candle nearby. Pray a short prayer thanking Jesus for becoming man.

Read the Annunciation and Nativity — Read Luke 1:26–38 and Luke 2:1–20 as a family. Have each person share one thing that stands out.

“God With Us” prayer — Light a candle and spend 2–3 minutes in silence, remembering that Jesus is truly with us.

Pray the Angelus — Especially meaningful during Advent as a way of remembering the Incarnation.

Sing Christmas hymns — Choose hymns that specifically proclaim the Incarnation, such as O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, or O Come All Ye Faithful.

Live Out/Celebrate the Lord of Miracles: 

Teach the Story: For children or teens, tell the story of the image of Christ crucified in Lima and how the devotion grew after earthquakes damaged much of the surrounding area while the image remained

Turn the Feast Into an Act of Mercy

Because the devotion centers on Christ and His mercy, make mercy the family's action for the day.

• Donate food to a food pantry.

• Make a meal for someone who is struggling.

• Visit someone who is lonely.

• Forgive someone in the family.

• Write encouraging notes to people who need hope.

• Give money to a charity serving people in need.

Celebrate Peruvian Culture

Have a Peruvian family dinner! You could try:

• Lomo saltado

• Pollo a la brasa

• Papa a la huancaína

• Arroz con pollo

• Anticuchos

• Picarones