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 a young Jesus Christ 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.

Resources

• 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"