With the apostolic letter “Patris Corde” (With a father’s heart), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed the “Year of St. Joseph from 8th December 2020, to 8th December 2021.
The Pope encourages us to pray together in honour of St. Joseph.
Prayer to St. Joseph.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
We come to you, Joseph, with love and prayer.
We come to you, Joseph, with the wounds of Covid19,
A model of sacred silence, gentleness, and patience,
And a worthy spouse of the Virgin Mother.
We greet you, Joseph, the image of the Father.
We greet you, Joseph, the Foster Father of God the Son,
A silent guardian of the mystery of the Holy Trinity,
And a faithful guardian of the universal Church.
We embrace you, Joseph, the mirror of humility and obedience.
We embrace you, Joseph, Father of all the faithful,
A privileged servant to touch the Word made flesh,
And a righteous man among men.
Join us, Joseph, to your family with Jesus and Mary.
Join us, Joseph, in our families with the heart of a Father,
A skilled man to join what is apart with your blessed hands,
And a hardworking provider to your family.
Bring us, Joseph, to the Eternal Father who chose you.
Bring us, Joseph, to that ardent love of the Son, and Spirit,
A sanctified intercessor in our needs on this life,
And in your holy arms forever we shall find sweet repose.
Amen.