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From the Pastor’s Desk
In 1870, Pope Pius IX solemnly declared Saint Joseph, the Husband of Mary, as the Patron of the Catholic Church. Just a little over a month ago, Pope Francis promulgated through the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (“A Father’s Heart”) that the Church would observe a year in honor of Saint Joseph to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of this declaration.
So that we can turn to Saint Joseph in this year, I have had prepared a holy card which will be distributed following Masses this weekend. The prayer that is on the card in the one that Pope Francis gives at the conclusion of the Apostolic Letter I mentioned above. The sentiment of the prayer is simple and straightforward: “Blessed Joseph,…, 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.” The artwork I chose for the holy card comes from the 17th century and the artist Gerard van Honthorst. It depicts an elderly Joseph as a carpenter, working with his tools in a darkened space. Yet, the Child Jesus holds a candle to provide light so he can accomplish his task.
Also, on Monday, January 18 the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins. Each year all Christians are reminded of the prayer of Jesus on the night before his death, “I pray that they all may be one” (John 17:21). This year’s theme is: “Abide in love and you shall bear much fruit.” In a world torn by so much strife and discord, may all efforts to unite Christians — as well as the human family – find the prayerful support of Saint Joseph.
Love,
Fr. Tom