POPE FRANCIS DECLARES YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH
December 9, 2020
IN A SURPRISE MOVE, POPE FRANCIS DECLARES A SPECIAL YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH, THE PATRON OF THE CHURCH
In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde ("With a Father's Heart"), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.
The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX's declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To celebrate the anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special "Year of St Joseph," beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 and extending to the same feast in 2021.
The Holy Father wrote Patris corde against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which, he says, has helped us see more clearly the importance of "ordinary" people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. In this, they resemble Saint Joseph, "the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence," who nonetheless played "an incomparable role in the history of salvation."
Read the full Apostolic Letter [HERE]
There is also a Plenary Indulgence associated with the Year of Saint Joseph... "During this period, the faithful will have the opportunity to commit themselves "with prayer and good works, to obtain, with the help of St. Joseph, head of the heavenly Family of Nazareth, comfort and relief from the serious human and social tribulations that besiege the contemporary world today." A special appeal is made to Priests to "willingly and generously" make the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion available to all - especially the sick. Read more [HERE].
[Source: VaticanNews]
