With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis commemorates the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” starting December 8th, 2020, continuing until December 8th, 2021.

In our parish, St. Joseph Cathedral, we will begin the celebration of “The Year of Saint Joseph” on January 10, 2021, on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. We will continue this celebration until December 08, 2021, concluding on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

We call upon St. Joseph during this special year as our patron and protector, so that we may indeed grow closer to the Lord. At the conclusion of the “Patris corde” letter, the Holy Father added a beautiful prayer to St Joseph, which I encourage all of you to pray together at home.

“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