This year from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021, in honor of the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis in his decree has proclaimed this year 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph. The pope has timely declared this honor as St. Joseph also has been part of giving great care to Our Lord Jesus Christ and Mary, Mother of God during his life.
This year from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021, in honor of the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis in his decree has proclaimed this year 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph. The pope has timely declared this honor as St. Joseph also has been part of giving great care to Our Lord Jesus Christ and Mary, Mother of God during his life. As mentioned by Pope Francis, “St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”
December 8, 1870, when Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph patron of the Universal Church in the decree Quemadmodum Deus.
St. Joseph was chosen by God to look after for the Blessed Virgin and the Lord Our Savior. He was a holy man even during his younger days having a devout prayer life. It is also believed that he was sanctified before his birth, meaning he may have been conceived with original sin but was removed and cleansed by the Holy Spirit before he was born. Many saints and doctors of the church believed that his body was taken up into heaven. No account of his relics were mentioned or can anyone claim of his body’s whereabout. He is extremely blessed throughout his life that heaven bestowed many graces in his behalf. As told by the Holy doctor of the church St. Bernard, “ Power is given to some of the saints to help in particular necessities, but to St. Joseph power is given in all necessities.”
Devotion to St. Joseph is indeed beneficial to one’s soul. He has a unique relationship and long memories of joy and sorrow with the Savior and the Blessed Virgin Mary here on earth. That is why meditating on his seven sorrows are significant to remind us of the humbling experience of the Holy Family and St. Joseph has to bear for our salvation.
