“Inspired by the Gospel, the Fathers of the Church from the earliest centuries stressed that just as St. Joseph took loving care of Mary and gladly dedicated himself to Jesus Christ’s upbringing, he likewise watches over and protects Christ’s Mystical Body, that is, the Church.”
POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II
How to Celebrate the Year of St. Joseph
As we devote an entire year to St. Joseph’s honor, we will undoubtedly unlock many special graces not only for the Diocese of Charlotte, but for each of the faithful who increase their devotion to him during this special year. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary.
“Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces,” wrote St. Peter Julian Eymard, “When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.”
Below are ideas for how to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph:
Begin the Year of St. Joseph with a special intention for his intercession, for which you will offer your prayers and St. Joseph devotions throughout the year.
Learn about St. Joseph’s virtues and try to imitate them.
Participate in the 33-day consecration to St. Joseph as a parish February 15-March 19.
Pray the Holy Rosary daily, reciting the Year of St. Joseph prayer at the conclusion.
Plan a pilgrimage to one or more of the St. Joseph parishes across the diocese
Adopt St. Joseph traditions into your prayer life and family life
Attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on his feast days: March 19th and May 1st
Include prayers to St. Joseph in your morning and evening prayers
Encourage others to foster as greater devotion to St. Joseph
Take advantage of the Year of St. Joseph indulgences granted by the Holy See
THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH PRAYER
To you, O blessed Joseph (Ad te, beate Ioseph)
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our afflictions, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.