The Holy Innocents are the children killed by Herod in his attempt to destroy the infant Jesus. Catholics honor them as martyrs and seek their intercession for children, unborn life, grieving families, and all victims of violence or abuse.
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The Gospel of Matthew recounts that Herod, threatened by news of a newborn king, ordered the killing of boys in and around Bethlehem. Joseph had already taken Jesus and Mary into Egypt after being warned in a dream. Matthew presents the slaughter with the image of Rachel weeping for her children. The victims could not confess Christ in words, but the Church has long honored them as martyrs because they died in the place of the One whom Herod sought.
Their feast stands within the Christmas octave and recalls the suffering that accompanied Christ’s birth. Christ enters a world marked by fear, political violence, forced flight, and parental grief, and He begins His earthly life as a refugee. The Holy Innocents call the Church to protect children and every vulnerable human life with concrete action. This novena asks for healing for wounded families, justice for victims, repentance for those who cause harm, and courage for those responsible for protection.
