Good Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church

Dear brothers and sisters, I encourage you to ask for the intercession of Saint Joseph precisely in the most difficult times in your life and in that of your communities. With our mistakes, let us ask Saint Joseph to give us the courage to speak the truth, ask for forgiveness, and humbly begin again. Where persecution prevents the Gospel from being proclaimed, let us ask Saint Joseph for the strength and patience to endure abuse and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Where material and human resources are scarce and make us experience poverty, especially when we are called to serve the last, the defenseless, the orphans, the sick, the rejected of society, let us pray to Saint Joseph to be Providence for us.2

Ite ad Joseph! (Latin: "Go to Joseph," based on Genesis 41:55 what Pharaoh told the people of Egypt during the years radition of the Church. Each of us relies on his protection of the Church in the same way Jesus and Mary leaned into his loving care as husband and foster-father.

Joseph's quiet, strong, steadfast dedication offers to each of us a model of fortitude and strength—especially during trying times. His simplicity inspires us to go to him in our times of isolation and desperation and he never fails us. So many times we pray for what we think we want, and so many times God gives us what we need. Saint Joseph's intercession inspires us to embrace the simplicity of our needs and put aside our wants for the greater good. He is a Saint for the ages, the inspiration of many Saints and sinners alike. Good Saint Joseph, protect and guide us!



1  "Patron of the Universal Church". This title was bestowed on Saint Joseph 150 years ago by Blessed Pius IX.
2  Pope Francis, General Audience, Rome. Wednesday 16 February 2022. Accessible at https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022/documents/20220216-udienza-generale.html




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