St. Joseph, beloved and devoted father and husband, was declared patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX 150 years ago. Recalling St. Joseph’s devotion to God, Mary and the baby Jesus, and his model as a laborer and a dedicated husband and father, Pope Francis has declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph. The celebration began on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in 2020 and concludes on the same day in 2021.
The Pope noted that the pandemic has brought to greater light the value and importance of “ordinary” people and their faith, hope and love that is expressed in subtle but profound ways. Likewise, Francis described St. Joseph as “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence who… played an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”
In his letter announcing the Year of St. Joseph, the Pope concluded with a special prayer to this very special father, husband and servant of God:
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.
Read the Pope’s proclamation here.
Please join us for our Feast of St. Joseph Novena of Masses here.