On the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8, 2020), Pope Francis issued an Apostolic Letter, Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church. Within his letter, the Holy Father proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.
The “Year of Saint Joseph” invites all the members of the Church to recognize the unique role of Saint Joseph as the Patron and Protector of the Universal Church. The Holy Father’s Apostolic Letter further invites the members of the Church “to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession, and to imitate his virtues and his zeal” (cf. Patris Corde).
In addition, the Holy See has announced numerous possibilities for obtaining the Gift of Special Indulgences for the “Year of Saint Joseph.” These possibilities and the manner of obtaining the Indulgences can be found at https://yearofstjoseph.org/indulgences/.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez encourages the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to spend this year growing closer to Saint Joseph by honoring him, imitating his virtues, and asking for his intercession.
Guidelines pertaining to the Archdiocese observance of the “Year of Saint Joseph” developed jointly by Office for the New Evangelization and the Office for Divine Worship were recently shared with all priests and deacons of the Archdiocese. These guidelines have been provided to assist in the development of local observances.
A full copy of the guidance, along with comprehensive information and resources, can be found at https://archphila.org/joseph/.
On Friday, March 19th there will be a Solemn Celebration of Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at 12:05 p.m., as well as an Archdiocesan Novena beginning on March 19, 2021. More information about these and other upcoming events will be available at https://archphila.org/joseph/.
# # #
Editor’s Note: For more information about the Year of Saint Joseph, please visit https://archphila.org/joseph.
Contact: Alaina N. Longo
Deputy Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)