The Consecration to the Holy Family is a devotion in which we entrust our homes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, asking for their protection and guidance. It invites our families to grow in holiness and unity by following the example of the Holy Family 

The Consecration to the Holy Family is a meaningful devotion through which we, as Catholics, entrust our homes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Though love for the Holy Family has been part of the Church’s life from the earliest centuries, the more formal practice of consecrating families to them grew significantly in recent times. In 2018, the Knights of Columbus began widely promoting this devotion to strengthen Catholic family life and help households embrace their identity as “domestic churches.” This modern initiative builds on a long tradition encouraged by Popes Leo XIII, Benedict XV, and others, who urged Catholics to look to the Holy Family as the model of unity, virtue, and holiness. 

How do we make the Consecration to the Holy Family? 

Families are encouraged to prepare spiritually by attending Mass, praying together, reflecting on the virtues of the Holy Family, and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation when possible. On the day of consecration, the family gathers—either at home or during a parish celebration—and prays the official Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family. This prayer entrusts the family to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, asking for their protection, guidance, and help in living out the Gospel within the home. Many families also place an image of the Holy Family in a prominent place as a reminder of their commitment. 

Which consecration prayer formula do we use? 

Most parishes today use the prayer provided by the Knights of Columbus, which is the standard and widely recognized Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family. Because it is copyrighted, it is usually not printed in full without permission—but it is commonly available in parish bulletins, on Knights of Columbus materials, and on their official website. The prayer includes elements such as: 

• dedicating the family to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; 
• asking for protection from spiritual and worldly dangers; 
• a commitment to imitate the virtues of the Holy Family; 
• and a pledge to strengthen faith, prayer, and unity within the home. 

Your parish may also provide an approved version of the prayer, and any formula officially recommended by the parish or diocese is entirely appropriate to use. 

By making the Consecration to the Holy Family, we unite ourselves to the perfect example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In a world where family life often faces many challenges, this devotion gives us a spiritual foundation rooted in faith, love, and mutual sacrifice. May the Holy Family watch over our homes and guide us ever closer to Christ.