The challenges of the past year have taken a toll on families, not only regarding health but also straining relationships; fostering, at times, great loneliness, and leading many to lose hope in the future.
The coronavirus pandemic played a role in Pope Francis’ decision to declare a Year of St. Joseph to mark the 150th anniversary of the saint as the patron of the Church. The Holy Father observed the hidden sacrifices made by some to protect others during this difficult time, comparing them to the quiet care Joseph afforded to Mary and Jesus as protector of the Holy Family.
Pope Francis is encouraging the faithful to go to St. Joseph, “ite ad Joseph,” in times of need and to honor the saint’s role as humble protector of the Holy Family.
The Latin phrase has long served as continuous encouragement by the Church for the faithful to trust in assistance from St. Joseph in times of need, in much the same way that Mary and Jesus could depend on his loving care.
The history of the phrase begins in the book of Genesis, when Pharaoh instructs the people who are suffering through a terrible famine to, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you do.”
At that time, Pharaoh was referring to Joseph, the youngest of the 12 sons of Jacob, who was sold into slavery in Egypt by his brothers but rose to a position of prominence there because of his wisdom and virtue.
Today, referring to the foster father of Jesus, Pope Francis assures us that “each of us can discover in Joseph—the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence—an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble.”
In his Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde: With a Father’s Heart, Pope Francis explains his desire for the faithful “to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.”
Since the beginning of the Church, a variety of legends and traditions have developed around St. Joseph, many from ancient oral traditions, and while they are not based in Scripture they all highlight one or more of St. Joseph’s virtues, his integral role in the life of Christ and the Church, encouraging us always to “go to Joseph.”
Whether we, like Pope Francis, are placing prayer intentions under a reclining statue of St. Joseph sleeping or celebrating the bountiful Table of St. Joseph on his feast day or practicing any number of prayerful devotions, this year can be a time of spiritual growth with the help of a very special saint.
Speaking about St. Joseph, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Some Saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking.”
The Church celebrates St. Joseph three times on the liturgical calendar. His feast on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, honors him as the husband of Mary, the Blessed Mother. On May 1 he is honored in his role as St. Joseph the Worker. On the Sunday after Christmas, he is honored again on the Feast of the Holy Family in his role as guardian and teacher.
The Year of St. Joseph runs from Dec. 8, 2020, until Dec. 8, 2021.
Mary Regina Morrell is a Catholic journalist, author, and syndicated columnist who has served the dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey, and RENEW International in the areas of catechesis and communication.