Year of Saint Joseph
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of Saint Joseph” with the issuing of his apostolic letter ‘Patris Corde.’ Being celebrated from December 8 (the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception) 2020 through the same feast in 2021, this special year is a gift to increase our love for the greatest male saint and, according to Pope Francis, a call “to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.”
At the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, we encourage you to use this time to learn more about Saint Joseph and add devotions to your spiritual life by exploring the resources we’ve curated for you below.
Apostolic Letter: Patris Corde
Read Pope Francis’s apostolic letter proclaiming the special Year of Saint Joseph.
Prayer: Litany of Saint Joseph
Pray the Litany of Saint Joseph. Ordinarily enriched with a partial indulgence (Manual of Indulgences, conc. 22), during this Year of Saint Joseph through December 8, 2021 this litany has been included among other prayers to Saint Joseph enriched with a plenary indulgence (per the Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary issued Dec. 8, 2020, section E), which may be earned once a day subject to the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Pope, and a total detachment to all sin, including venial sin.
Consecration to Saint Joseph
Join us in a 33-day consecration to Saint Joseph as guided by Father Donald Calloway, MIC in his book Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. One may follow the consecration any time, but as a Cathedral parish we will begin on March 30, 2021 so as to end on May 1—Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. Follow along with the daily prayers with a copy of Fr. Calloway’s book.
Prayers
Additional Reading
Continue learning about Saint Joseph and why so many Popes and pastors have recommended his intercession to the faithful with additional reading, including some available online linked below.
The decree of Pope Pius IX that declared St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church: Quemadmodum DeusAdditional Resources
Find a treasure trove of additional resources including videos, podcasts, reading materials, and more to enrich your Year of Saint Joseph at the links below.
