The Year of Saint Joseph

The Year of Saint Joseph

BY MARK MOITOZA, TH.D. THE ADORATION OF THE CHRIST CHILD, ALESSANDRO BOTTICELLI (CA 1500)

Pope Francis declared a special Year of Saint Joseph, from 8 December 2020 until 8 December 2021. This celebration marks the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. The Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart,”) describes the often overlooked courageous and tender presence of a father. Reflecting upon the gifts of fatherhood throughout the year will help each of us recognize our need for conversion, so that like Joseph, we may place all our trust in God the Father.

One of the few statues brought out for every Catholic Mass celebrated in military chapels is Saint Joseph. These statues at different installations typically have some symbol attributed to his work as a carpenter. Growing up in a military family, I recall that even though these statues looked different they all conveyed a reassuring presence. Many years later, I encountered a fresco of the death of Saint Joseph. It was situated among many images of Mary’s life that hung above the main aisle of the cathedral in Speyer, Germany. I realized then that I did not know that much about the earthly father of Jesus.

In fact, scripture reveals little about Saint Joseph. We do, however, learn that he was a man of faith who responded to dreams. God communicated to Joseph through the angels to guide his path. Joseph’s response overcame any fears that may have been weighing him down. We also learn that Joseph protected his family and moved his family to safety, even though it meant being far from the familiar. We can surmise that through his trade as a carpenter Joseph provided for the earthly needs of his family while also sharing his woodworking skills with Jesus.

Through these few references, we recognize that Joseph was a just man, he was humble, he protected and provided for his family. He also shared love, mercy, and tenderness. Joseph modeled obedience, practiced acceptance, and exhibited creative courage while continually serving as a father in the shadows. All of these attributes are detailed in the Holy Father’s apostolic letter mentioned above. This year, spending time reflecting on these positive attributes of fatherhood helps us recognize God’s presence in both the light and the shadows.

In his letter, Pope Francis writes, “How many people daily exercise patience and offer hope, taking care to spread not panic, but shared responsibility. How many fathers, mothers, grandparents and teachers show our children, in small everyday ways, how to accept and deal with a crisis by adjusting their routines, looking ahead and encouraging the practice of prayer. How many are praying, making sacrifices, and interceding for the good of all.”

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Year of Saint Joseph CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

With the backdrop of the enduring pandemic, Pope Francis encourages the faithful to rediscover Saint Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence,” as an intercessor and source of support and guidance.

Learn how you can celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph, seek a plenary indulgence, and read the Holy Father’s apostolic letter on the AMS website, https://www.milarch.org/year-of-saint-joseph/. V

Pope Francis Prayer to Saint Joseph

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.

Save the Dates

All events are subject to change based on governmental mandates. 16 May 2021 - 4:30 p.m.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception 400 Michigan Avenue N.E., Washington, D.C. 20017 Archbishop Broglio will be the principal celebrant and homilist.

For God and Country Discernment Retreat for priests discerning military chaplaincy

28 June - 2 July 2021

Washington, D.C. 20017 Archbishop Broglio will participate. Interested priests may register on the AMS website or contact AMS Chancellor Father Robert Cannon at chancellor@milarch.org

85th Annual Convention of the Catholic War Veterans & Auxiliary of the United States

2-8 August 2021

New York, NY

The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA Co-Sponsored Seminarians

CORRECTION: Three seminarians were inadvertantly left out of the centerfold composite in our Christmas 2020 issue.

Liam O’Shea-Creal Diocese of Lincoln Navy

Conrad Jaconette Diocese of Owensboro Air Force

Peter Ludwig Diocese of Lansing Navy

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