Are you celebrating the Year of Saint Joseph? It is not too late!
What is the Year of Saint Joseph?
Pope Francis declared the Year of Saint Joseph from December 8, 2020-December 8, 2021, coinciding with the release of his letter, Patris Corde. In the letter, Pope Francis meditates on Saint Joseph’s witness and modern relevance. On earth, Joseph acted as the spouse and protector of Mary, who is the model of the Church. He was the foster-father and protector of Jesus, who is the Head of the Church. Although he is silent in scripture, his actions echo loudly.
How can we celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph?
To celebrate:
- Read Patris Corde
- Obtain Indulgences
- Display an image of Joseph in your home or classroom
- Meditate on his titles
- Make a pilgrimage to a church or shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph
1. Read Patris Corde
Patris Corde (The Heart of the Father) is the Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis, written on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church on December 8, 2020. Blessed Pius IX made the original proclamation in 1870. The title of the letter is taken from the first two words of the Latin text, translated as The Heart of the Father.
Pope Francis release Patris Corde in conjunction with his declaration of the Year of Saint Joseph. The text of Patris Corde can be accessed online via the Holy See’s website. Read the document by yourself or in a small group.
If you would like a reading guide, I have one available in my TpT store HERE. Suitable for middle school through adult.
2. Obtain Indulgences
The plenary indulgence for the Year of Saint Joseph is granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father) to the faithful who, with a spirit of detachment from sin, participate in one of the following ways:
- Meditate for at least 30 minutes on the Our Father
- Participate in a spiritual retreat of at least one day that includes a meditation on Saint Joseph
- Perform a corporal or spiritual work of mercy
- Recite the Holy Rosary as a family
- Entrust daily work to the protection of Saint Joseph
- Invoke the intercession of the worker of Nazareth
- Pray the litany or another prayer to Saint Joseph, for the persecuted Church and for the relief of all persecuted Christians
- Pray any approved prayer or act of piety in honor of Saint Joseph.
The gift of plenary indulgence extends particularly to —
- The elderly, sick and dying
- All those who cannot leave their home who pray an act of piety in honor of Saint Joseph, consolation of the sick and patron of a good death, confidently offering God the pains and difficulties of life. This should be done with a spirit of detachment from sin and with the intention of fulfilling, as soon as possible, the three usual conditions, in their own home or wherever the impediment holds them.
Adapted from YearofStJoseph.org
3. Display an image of Saint Joseph in your home or classroom
A great way to celebrate is to display his image around your home or classroom. There are a variety of options available from icons to statues. I have compiled a round-up of a variety of affordable options in various styles that are available via digital download (none of these are affiliate links, I just like them!):
Minimalist Print from Souls of Saints $4
Vintage Print from The Stump Of Jesse $5
Blackline Drawing from Love and Messiness $6
Youthful St. Joseph with Jesus from Little Saints Store $7.64
Joseph Most Chaste from the Living Heart Co. $8
4. Meditate on his titles
Meditating on the titles of Joseph is a great way to celebrate! Reflecting on his virtues and asking his intercession in your own life will help deepen your devotion.
Here are the titles of Saint Joseph from the litany:
- Renowned offspring of David
- Light of Patriarchs
- Spouse of the Mother of God
- Chaste guardian of the Virgin
- Foster-father of the Son of God
- Diligent protector of Christ
- Head of the Holy Family
- Mirror of patience
- Lover of poverty
- Model of artisans
- Glory of home life
- Guardian of virgins
- Pillar of families
- Solace of the wretched
- Hope of the sick
- Patron of the dying
- Terror of demons
- Protector of Holy Church
If you are interested, I have a FREE printable of the Litany to Saint Joseph available in a standard document size and 14”x 11” for the classroom.
5. Make a pilgrimage to a church or shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph
A final way to celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph is to plan a pilgrimage.
There are many churches and shrines dedicated to this powerful saint. Search using MassTimes.org to find a location nearby or visit his statue at your church. Ask Saint Joseph to help you to prepare your heart to receive Jesus!
How are you celebrating? I would love to hear!
