WINE, CHEESE, AND THE GOSPEL – Monday, March 1, 2021 VERY REVEREND KRIS D. STUBNA, S.T.D. THE YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH 1. Pope Francis declared the Year of St. Joseph: December 8, 2020 a. 150th Anniversary of Joseph being named the patron of the universal Church b. Apostolic Letter: Patris Corde (The Heart of the Father) c. Goal: “every member of the faithful may strengthen their life of faith daily in complete fulfillment of God’s will.” d. Why do we have special years? (eg. Eucharist, Faith, Mercy) e. Plenary indulgence – requirements 2. Who is Saint Joseph? a. Luke 2:4 – “of the house and lineage of David.” The link between the Old and New covenant b. Matthew 1:19 – “a just man” c. Appearances of angels in a dream: to reveal God’s plan and invite Joseph’s acceptance d. He was the spouse of Mary and foster father of Jesus i. Embraced Mary as his wife ii. Took them to Bethlehem for the census iii. Fled to Egypt to protect them from Herod iv. Returned to Nazareth where he was a carpenter and provided for his family v. Took Jesus to the Temple – example of faith for Jesus and teacher of the faith 3. Role in the Church a. Early Church Fathers and many saints devoted to St. Joseph b. He has appeared with Mary at some apparitions (Knock and Fatima) c. March 19: Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of Mary d. May 1: Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker e. 1870: Pope Pius IX declared him Patron of the Universal Church f. 1921 – Pope Benedict XV inserts the phrase “Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse” into the Divine Praises g. 1955 – Venerable Pope Pius XII establishes the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, to be celebrated on May 1 h. 1962: Pope John XXIII inserted St. Joseph’s name in the Roman Canon i. 1989 – Pope St. John Paul II writes Redemptoris Custos, an encyclical letter on St. Joseph j. 2013 – Pope Francis, echoing and fulfilling the intentions of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, inserts the name of St. Joseph into all Eucharistic Prayers. He also consecrates Vatican City State to St. Joseph. 4. What do we learn from Saint Joseph? a. Obedience to God’s will – prayer and trust in God’s word b. Faithful spouse and father – protector of the family c. Exemplar of working men and women – dignity of human work d. Fidelity with no recognition or praise – good and faithful servant of God e. Patron of a happy death (Jesus and Mary were with him presumably) f. Joseph is also patron saint families, fathers, expectant mothers (pregnant women), travelers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers, and working people in general. “We must be convinced that, in consideration of his great merits, God will not refuse St. Joseph any grace he asks for those who honor him.” ST. ALPHONSUS LIGUORI .