January 4, 2026 – The Epiphany of the Lord: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13.; Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6; Matthew 2:1-12

The picture of this “Camel Rock” is a sandstone landmark near Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is located north of Santa Fe, off US Highway 84-285. As a child, when the family was traveling through this area, my dad would always say it was the fourth camel that lost its way to adore the newborn Christ child, which I thought was bizzare! He explained that this particular king remained in New Mexico to teach the people that we should stay on our own paths to discover the Christ child within ourselves. Later on in life, this story always made me ponder on the importance of personal faith and the unique journeys each of us takes. – Our community wish you and your families a Blessed New Year 2026, one of holiness and good health.

From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope:
“…This is the day that David prophesied in the psalms, when he said: All the nations that you have brought into being will come and fall down in adoration in your presence, Lord, and glorify your name. Again, the Lord has made known his salvation; in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

This came to be fulfilled, as we know, from the time when the star beckoned the three wise men out of their distant country and led them to recognize and adore the King of heaven and earth. The obedience of the star calls us to imitate its humble service: to be servants, as best we can, of the grace that invites all men to find Christ. Dear friends, you must have the same zeal to be of help to one another; then, in the kingdom of God, to which faith and good works are the way, you will shine as children of the light: through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with God the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen.”

We deeply appreciate your ongoing prayers and generous financial support. May the miracle of Christ’s birth fill your heart with lasting joy, and may His abundant blessings guide you and your loved ones throughout the coming year of 2026.

Pope Leo XIV – Intentions for the month of January 2026: For prayer with the Word of God
Let us pray that praying with the Word of God be nourishment for our lives and a source of hope in our communities, helping us to build a more fraternal and missionary Church.

“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”.

MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality