Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde – With a Father’s Heart, to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. In this letter Pope Francis reminds us that the Covid-19 crisis has allowed us to experience “how our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked.” He points to the fact that in this moment these are the people who are “surely shaping the decisive events of our history.”
He goes on to say that “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.”
Pope Francis has proclaimed the ‘Year of Saint Joseph’ to run until 8 December 2021 in the hope that we might be able to increase our love for this great saint, be encouraged to seek his intercession and to imitate his virtues and zeal.
Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.
Over the course of this year, we will provide resources for you to dive deeper into the life of Saint Joseph to honour this year under the categories of prayer, reflections and resources.
Prayer
Reflections
WelCom Articles
In March, WelCom featured articles about the Year of St Joseph including an article about Pope Francis and his devotion to St Joseph and a reflection from Fr James Lyons.
Have a read by clicking the links below.
Sleeping St Joseph – read here.
Reflection from Fr James – read here.
Song: Refugee King – An ode to the Holy Family
“To protect Jesus from Herod, Joseph dwelt as a foreigner in Egypt (Mt 2:13-18)”.
Listen to this song that honours this particular part of the story of the Holy Family.
Monthly Reflections: Australian Catholic Bishops Conference
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference have also made some resources available.
Included are monthly reflections about various aspects of St Joseph’s life & character.
Check out the links below.
Resources
National Liturgy Office
The National Liturgy Office have complied a variety of resources, some of which we have included above. To access the collection click here.
Pleroma
Click on the image above to view Pleroma’s range of St Joseph products or head to their website here.
St Joseph Doll
Did you know Pope Francis has been praying to St. Joseph every day for 40 years???
Be a Heart sells a range of Catholic products from San Antonio, Texas and they’ve just released a St. Joseph doll online. Whether for your child or yourself, you might like order one to accompany you on the journey this year!
Head to the Be a Heart store to check out the St Joseph Doll and other products here.
Sacred Artwork
Each month the Diocese of Charlotte in the United States will be adding various depictions of St. Joseph in Christian art and iconography.