The Year of St. Joseph 2020 to 2021

To mark the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis proclaimed a "Year of St. Joseph." Pope Francis started this year on December 8, 2020 in his Apostolic Letter "Patris corde," which translates to "With a Father's Heart." You can read the full Apostolic letter here.

This year was established to reaffirm St. Joseph's patronage in the Church and so that "every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God's will."

During the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, Pope Francis is keen to recognize St. Joseph as a father who made hidden sacrifices as he lovingly cared for Mary and Jesus. 

"Each of us can discover in Joseph - the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence - an intercessor, a support and guide in times of trouble."

St. Joseph is also highlighted as a model for us all, as a beloved, tender, obedient, accepting and creatively courageous working father who served his family. 

Prayer to St. Joseph

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.

"Roman missal - St. Joseph Worker" by Royal Griffin from Creative Commons
St. Joseph Died: 18 ​Feastday: March 19th Jesus Contemporary Family Patron of: the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death
St. Joseph and Jesus outdoor statue in the Archdiocese of Seattle
Father and Son permission given to use by the Sisters of the Carmelite Monastary in Reno, NV.
Statue of Saint Joseph the Worker at Saint Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown, NJ photographed by Matt Marzorati Unsplash
Saint Joseph and the Christ Child Guido Reni Date: 1640 Style: Baroque Genre: religious painting, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Celebrating the Year of St. Joseph

Joyful Mysteries

Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary in company with St. Joseph, with reflections from “With a Father’s Heart,” Pope Francis’ letter for this special year.

Pray the Joyful Mysteries
Pray the Joyful Mysteries in Spanish

Devotion to St. Joseph

This short form of prayer is provided for parishes to use especially on Wednesdays, the day especially associated with devotion to St. Joseph. 

Pray the Devotion to St. Joseph
Pray the Devotion to St. Joseph in Spanish

Year of St. Joseph materials for parishes

Parishes can use these materials for their digital channels.

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