The Holy Name Society promotes devotion and reverence to the Holy Name of God and Jesus, and helps members grow in holiness and obtain their personal salvation.
In the Diocese of Allentown, about 20 parishes have Holy Name Societies, and a Bethlehem man, Eugenio Melendez, is hoping get more people interested in joining.
“Those active in the Holy Name Society in their parishes often perform Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy as a way to live out their faith,” said Melendez. He is president of the “Diocesan Union,” which represents all parish Holy Name Societies.
“This is an excellent time for the faithful in our parishes to join and promote their Holy Name Society,” Bishop Alfred Schlert said, “particularly during this time of coarseness in our political discourse and in our society in general.”
The Holy Name Society is the popular name for the Confraternity of the Most Holy Names of God and Jesus. It is open to all Catholic adults.
Members of each parish Holy Name Society periodically attend Mass as a group, then may have a fellowship activity afterward. Membership, which is free, is an excellent way to become more involved in your parish through worship and fellowship.
“Many wonderful things are going to happen through the Holy Name Societies at parishes in the Diocese,” Melendez said. “I call on the faithful to join in without hesitation to be part in the calling that God and our Lord Jesus Christ has for you.”
Melendez noted that even those whose parish does not have an established Holy Name Society may join as Associate Members.
Anyone who is interested in establishing a Holy Name Society at their parish, or anyone who wants to join the society, may contact Melendez by e-mail at Capt.Mel@verizon.net.
History of the Holy Name Society (From the website of the Dominican Friars):
The Confraternity of the Most Holy Names of God and Jesus (Holy Name Society) promotes reverence for the Sacred Names of God and Jesus Christ, obedience and loyalty to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and the personal sanctification and holiness of its members. The Society came to be associated with the Dominican Friars after Blessed John of Vercelli (1205-1283) was asked by Pope Gregory X to promote devotion to the Holy Name.
Members are called to contribute to the evangelization mission of the Church and to make perpetual acts of reverence and love for our Lord and Savior. The apostolate of the society is to assist in parish ministries by performing the Corporal Works of Mercy: to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, shelter to the homeless, tend the sick, visit those in prison, and bury the dead; as well as the Spiritual Works of Mercy: to convert sinners, instruct the ignorant, counsel the wayward, comfort the sorrowing, bear adversity patiently, forgive offenses, and pray for the living and the dead.
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