The Federation Vocation Animation team heard the question, "where have all the Sisters gone?" and developed a series of short video vignettes to offer an answer! Each month we will release a new video, each on a different theme, or featuring one of our Sisters. This month, we hope you enjoy, "The Call".
Celebrating the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19
Catholic Sisters Week
For Catholic Sisters Week, Celebrate St. Joseph, A Very Busy Man
For a number of years, the religious congregations in the United States have marked this week as Catholic Sisters Week. This year the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada invites everyone to join with them in praying to this gentle, loving, hidden man, Joseph, for protection and healing during this time of pandemic.
Some History
Since we were officially founded in France in 1652, St. Joseph has been patron and protector of Sisters of St Joseph throughout the world.
Then 150 years ago, he was named Patron of the Universal Church. To commemorate this anniversary, Pope Francis in a December 8, 2020 Apostolic Letter (Patris corde, “with a father’s heart”), proclaimed it the Year of St. Joseph until December 8, 2021.
Furthermore, Joseph was chosen as the Patron saint of Canada by the first Recollect Franciscan missionaries in 1624 and officially confirmed as Canada’s Patron, by Pope Urban VIII in 1637.
You all surely know the adage: “If you want something done ask a busy person.” So let us pray…
Photo from Toronto Congregation Communications Office
THE PRAYER
Faithful Joseph,
Teach us to listen and not be afraid to trust as you did in God's promise.
Loving Joseph,
Teach us to love courageously with a heart that is free and just.
Protector Joseph,
Teach us to protect one another and all that belongs to God particularly during this time of pandemic.
Dreamer Joseph,
Teach us to dream a world where all are neighbours:
a vision illumined by God’s light.
Gentle Joseph,
Teach us to be gentle with our power and strong in our tenderness.
Teacher Joseph,
Teach us to keep the Word of God close to our heart
and to proclaim it in word and action.
Parent Joseph,
Teach us to be for children a living lesson of goodness and truth,
a blessing of hope for all generations to come.
Amen.
- Adapted with permission from a prayer by Kathy Sherman CSJ
