Year of St. Joseph

Year of Saint Joseph was announced by Pope Francis on December 8, 2020, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, to honour the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church.   The Pope writes in his letter (link  below) of his desire to reflect on St. Joseph during the current pandemic, "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. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all."

Photo: statue of St. Joseph and Jesus in St. George church, London.

Prayer The Pope's prayer for the Year: 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.
	Photo: statue of St. Joseph and Jesus at Holy Family church, London

Celebration of Mass on the Solemnity of St. Joseph

Our Bishops celebrated Mass on the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, on Friday, March 19:

• Bishop Fabbro celebrated Mass in English at St. Joseph’s in Stratford at 5:00 p.m. A recording is available on the Avon Thames Catholic Family of Parishes YouTube Channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC87BaFIjQxbFyeoHM0ucONg 

• Auxiliary Bishop Dabrowski celebrated Mass in French at St. Joseph’s in River Canard at 7:00 p.m. A recording is available on the LaSalle River Canard Catholic Family of Parishes YouTube Channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoTk_Zjiyxo6yOA-M2N_szQ 

Bishop Fabbro's Letter to the Faithful

"In these days when we are unsure of what may come next, or where what is happening will lead, or, most importantly, where God is to be found in the tumultuous events we are presently living, we have the example of Saint Joseph and his humble, unfailing trust in the Lord’s goodness, care and compassion for all his people." 

"En ces jours où nous ne sommes pas sûrs de ce qui est à venir, où mènera ce qui se passe, ou, surtout, où Dieu se trouve dans les événements tumultueux que nous vivons actuellement, nous avons l'exemple de Saint Joseph et de son humble confiance sans faille dans la bonté, l'attention et la compassion du Seigneur pour tout son peuple."

the full text of the Letters is available here in English and French.

St. Joseph Churches in the Diocese of London

• St. Joseph Parish, Stratford (Avon Thames Catholic Family of Parishes)
• St. Joseph Parish, Chatham (Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes)
• St. Joseph Parish, River Canard (LaSalle River Canard Catholic Family of Parishes)
• St. Joseph Parish, Corunna
• St. Joseph Parish,  Listowel (clustered with Sacred Heart and St. Ambrose)
• St. Joseph church, Sarnia (clustered with Our Lady of Mercy and St. Benedict) 

Resources from the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

The webpage contains various resources, including Prayers, Litanies, and Devotions, Consecration to Saint Joseph, Church Documents, Catechetical Resources for children, youth and adults, and Other Resources. The webpage will be updated periodically throughout the Year of Saint Joseph.

A resource for adult faith formation based on Pope Francis'Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart) includes seven short video presentations in English and French, and highlights each of the seven attributes of St. Joseph. These videos are on the Patris Corde Guided Video Reflections page. 

Resources

• Prayer for the Year of St. Joseph by Rev. Michael Béchard
• Litany of  St. Joseph
• About Indulgences by Rev. Paul Baillargeon
• 15 Ways to Gain an Indulgence in the Year of St. Joseph

Vatican Links

• Pope Francis Apostolic Letter "Patris Corde" (“With a Father’s Heart”) issued on the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, December 8, 2020, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 
• Vatican News: story on the announcement
• Vatican News: St Joseph: the man whom Heaven trusts 
• Vatican News: Church grants plenary indulgence for year of St. Joseph
• Decree by the Apostolic Penitentiary - The gift of special Indulgences is granted on the occasion of the Year of Saint Joseph, nnounced by Pope Francis to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the universal Church

Media Coverage

• Catholic Register: "Pope Francis proclaims year dedicated to St. Joseph"
• Catholic Register: "St. Joseph the model in a world in need of fathers"
• Crux: "Pope declares year of St. Joseph, offering special indulgences"
• Crux: "American priest who proposed Year of St. Joseph celebrates Pope’s call"
• CNA: "‘Go to Joseph': What popes from Pius IX to Francis have said about St. Joseph"
• CNA: "Year of St. Joseph: What Catholics need to know"