Blessed Nikolaus Gross (Feast Day January 15)

September 30, 1898-January 23, 1945

Nikolaus was the son of a German blacksmith. After graduating from the local Catholic school, he made his living as a manual laborer, eventually working in a coal mine. In 1919, Nikolaus joined the St. Anthony's Miners Association, the union for Catholic mine workers and a prominent voice in the local Catholic community. Nikolaus rose through the ranks in the union and eventually became editor of the union newspaper. Happily married to Elizabeth Koch, he had seven children and was a devoted husband and father. While dedicated to providing for and raising his family, Nikolaus made it a point to stay informed about the social and political climate in Germany.

Nikolaus believed that it was in his work and social obligations that he would carry out his Christian mission. In 1943, he wrote his doctrine of faith saying, ""The majority of great achievements come into being through the daily performance of one's duties in the little things of everyday routine. Our special love here is always for the poor and the sick." Nikolaus' faith informed his work at the union newspaper, and he boldly spoke out against Nazism in his writing, leading to the newspaper's ban in 1938. Nikolaus responded to the ban by publishing pamphlets for Catholic workers, encouraging them in their faith. Soon after, the Nazis began investigating Nikolaus. He was interrogated, and his home was searched by Nazi officials. In 1944, Nikolaus received information about plans to assassinate Adolph Hitler. Although he played no role in this plan, he was arrested, and hanged several months later. He was beatified in 2001.

• In your own words, describe what you think Joseph was like.

• Joseph trusted in God's plan for him and for Mary. What do you think is God's plan for your life?

• Do you think Joseph was nervous to be Jesus' earthly father? Why or why not?

• What virtues do you see in Blessed Nicolaus Gross?

Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses

In today's Gospel, Joseph takes Mary into his home. Take some time today to make a gingerbread home.

Using graham crackers, vanilla frosting, and candy, build and decorate a family gingerbread house. The frosting acts as glue. Put a thin layer of frosting on the base (i.e., plate, piece of cardboard, etc.) for the house to stick. Need some architectural help? Use a small milk carton to hold up the graham crackers. Use frosting to stick the graham crackers to the sides of the carton. Decorate with candy, using a small dab of frosting to hold the candy in place. Consider dying the frosting with food coloring if you want to add some more decorative touches.

Guava Atole

Enjoy this warm beverage as you prepare your gingerbread houses.

4 cups milk
½ cup sugar
1 cinnamon stick
8 Tbsp corn flour masa-harina
2 cups water, divided
2 ½ cups of guavas cut in half (about 10 guavas) for 1 ½ cup guava puree

Mix milk, sugar, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Turn heat to medium and simmer. In a small bowl, mix the corn flour and 1 cup of water. Stir well to avoid any lumps. Once the milk comes to a boil, slowly whisk in the corn flour mix and bring to a boil again. Then, reduce heat to medium-low and keep simmering until thickened, about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally.

While the atole is cooking, place the guavas with the cup of water in a blender and process until you have a smooth puree. Seeds will still be whole; pass thru a sieve or colander. Stir guava puree into the cooking atole. Do not add the puree until the atole is almost cooked. Mix well and keep cooking for about 10 more minutes. Optional: add a dusting of ground cinnamon before serving. It will be hot so sip carefully!

https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/guava-atole-de-guayaba/

The Divine Praises

The Divine Praises praise not only God, but the entire Holy Family. Have one person read the line, and everyone else repeats it.

Blessed be God.
Blessed be his holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be his most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be his most precious Blood.
Blessed be Jesus in the most holy sacrament of the altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.

Amen.

Jesus took flesh in Mary's womb. What action do we do during the Creed to give honor to this?

Blessed Nikolaus Gross understood the value and importance of Catholic Social Teaching. One of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching is the Call to Family, Community, and Participation. 

Resolve to learn one new thing about this aspect of Catholic Social Teaching this week.

The largest edible gingerbread house was in Bryan, Texas in 2013. It was almost the size of a tennis court and was 21 feet high.