On the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has designated this year to be the Year of St. Joseph. In 1624 the first Recollect Franciscan missionaries chose Joseph as the patron saint of Canada. Pope Urban VIII officially confirmed Joseph as Canada’s Patron in 1637.

We Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates, blessed to be so named, rejoice in St. Joseph’s care and protection.

In his letter, Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), Pope Francis describes St. Joseph as “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence”... and who “reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.” Consider the many acts of kindness that we have witnessed throughout this COVID experience.. . the unsung heroes.

In Joseph, Jesus saw the tender love of God. “As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.” (Psalm 103: 13). May we radiate that same compassion to those we encounter each day.

Ever-creating God, we praise and thank you for the example of Joseph, through whose intercession your protection and care are poured out for us and for all our world. Keep us mindful of this as we face the challenges of this time of pandemic. Guide us along Joseph’s patient, faith-filled, generous and loving example. In gratitude for the many gifts you lavish upon us, all praise, all glory, all honour are yours, O Triune God. Amen.