In December, Pope Francis released a new Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”) recalling the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. The Holy Father also proclaimed a “Year of St. Joseph” from December 8, 2020, to December 2021.

In this new Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis describes St. Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, and accepting father, a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.

The pope explained in Patris corde (“With a father’s heart”) that he wanted to share some “personal reflections” on the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic,” he said, noting that many people had made hidden sacrifices during the crisis in order to protect others. “Each of us can discover in Joseph -- the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence -- an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble,” he wrote.

Holy Family is excited to spend the coming months celebrating St. Joseph as part of the patronage of our parish, growing in our understanding of this great saint, and living our faith under the example of St. Joseph’s virtues. This will include weekly updates in the bulletin and our webpage with St. Joseph prayers, quotes from saints on St. Joseph, monthly themes based on the virtues of St. Joseph, and exploring St. Joseph through sacred art. There will also be various events throughout the year including a study of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, St. Joseph Feast Day activities, parish Clean Up Day on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and much more. Stay tuned!  St. Joseph, Pray for Us!

Pope Francis' Prayer to St. Joseph

As we come to the end of this year of St. Joseph, we pray the prayer found near the end of his Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis asks the faithful to pray the following:

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.

See previous weekly reflections here: Archived reflections >