On December 8, 2020, our Holy Father, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter titled, Patris Corde, “With a Father’s Heart” in which he declared a year in honor of Saint Joseph, which began on December 8th, 2020 and will conclude on December 8th, 2021. This document was issued on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation in 1870 by Pope Pius IX of Saint Joseph as patron of the Universal Church.
During this year-long observance may each of us “Go to Joseph.”
The pope identifies three goals for the Year of Saint Joseph: 1) “to increase our love for this great saint;” 2) “to encourage us to implore his intercession;” and, 3) “to imitate his virtues and zeal.” During this year as we draw closer to Saint Joseph, let these be the goals we seek.
There are signs that we are at last coming out of this pandemic which has caused suffering for all of us and for some terrible suffering which can result in distancing people from God. Let us “Go to Joseph” who will take us to God to experience the Father’s love of which Saint Joseph is an icon.
On Christmas cards Saint Joseph is easy to miss. Usually, he is pictured behind Mary and the Infant Jesus. Almost in the shadows. This year he steps out front where his example is needed, perhaps, more than ever.
Reflecting on Saint Joseph, Pope Francis identifies seven qualities of the saint’s fatherhood: a working father, a father in the shadows, an accepting father, an obedient father, a tender and loving father, a courageous father, and a beloved father. Each of these qualities of Saint Joseph reveal an aspect of the love of God the Father.
As a “tender and loving father” to Jesus, Saint Joseph revealed the tenderness of God. When we experience sin and human weakness, through his intercession may we experience God’s tenderness.
Saint Joseph as an “obedient father” was able to say yes to God’s will in some extremely difficult situations. When we are tested and tried by suffering, by personal problems and life’s difficulties, may we in imitation of Saint Joseph be obedient to the will of God.
As a “working father” Saint Joseph’s labors as a carpenter provided for Jesus and Mary. May our work bring us satisfaction and support our obligations. May his example as a worker inspire our labors, especially the work of our hands.
Saint Joseph, an “accepting father,” trusted the message of the angel, taking Mary and Jesus into his home. What about our acceptance of others, particularly those who may not look or speak like us? May our acceptance of others be guided by his example.
Because Saint Joseph was a “courageous father,” God entrusted to him the Holy Family. May we be courageous Christians who in season and out are not afraid to give witness by words and actions to Christ.
Saint Joseph, a “beloved father,” offered his life for Jesus and Mary who loved him in return. May the offering of our lives for others be returned a hundredfold.
As a “father in the shadows,” Saint Joseph accepted the responsibility of Jesus to whom he became a father. Saint Joseph went unnoticed but not in the eyes of God; neither, does our faith-filled living.
Saint Joseph has much to teach us about family, marriage, parenting, prayer, work and accepting God’s will. Pope Francis writes that “Joseph teaches us that faith in God includes believing that God can work even through our fears, our frailties and our weaknesses.”
Let us not forget that just as Mary of Nazareth was chosen by God to be the Mother of the Saviour, Saint Joseph was chosen by God to be her husband and to be the earthly father to Jesus, son of Mary and Son of God. He is God’s choice in the divine plan of salvation.
Pope Francis concluded the apostolic letter with this prayer. During this year of Saint Joseph may we pray it frequently:
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 as a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, D.D.
Bishop of Camden