Year of St. Joseph

Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter entitled “With a Father’s Heart” has declared this year (December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021) the Year of St. Joseph. His purpose is to bring our attention to this “extraordinary figure, so close to our own human experience.” This year as we reflect upon St. Joseph, his life and virtues, we see that God calls “ordinary” people to bring about His plan for the salvation of the world. He wants us to appreciate how “our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked… “(Introduction)

For us who serve as ministers of communication, it may seem strange to look to St. Joseph for inspiration. The scriptures do not include one word from St. Joseph and yet he is an example of a person committed to the mission given to him by God; a person dedicated to Jesus and Mary. He faced multiple challenges in carrying out his mission, but he never wavered.

At the end of every account in which Joseph plays a role, the Gospel tells us that he gets up, takes the child and his mother, and does what God commanded him (cf. Matthew 1:24, 2:14,21).

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Next to Mary, Joseph is the most popular Catholic saint. He has been given many titles over the centuries: Guardian of the Church, Husband of Mary, Foster Father of Jesus, Patron of Workers; Patron of Refugees and Migrants, and Patron of a Happy Death to name a few.

Jesus told us: “Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). The lives of the saints too are examples to be imitated. Saint Paul explicitly says this: “Be imitators of me!” (1 Corinthians 4:16). [29] By his eloquent silence, Saint Joseph says the same.

Conclusion

As ministry communicators who strive to support our communities with information, inspiration and support in living Gospel values in the concrete situations of daily life, we can face discouragement, frustration and disappointments.

Pope Francis writes:

Joseph is certainly not passively resigned [to life’s realities], but courageously and firmly proactive. In our own lives, acceptance and welcome can be an expression of the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude. Only the Lord can give us the strength needed to accept life as it is, with all its contractions, frustrations and disappointments.

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I recommend that you take a few minutes to read and reflect on “With a Father’s Heart” and find your connection to St. Joseph. Then, if you have not already done so, find ways to share St. Joseph’s life and virtues with your readers, visitors and followers during this year dedicated to him. If you find a quote you like, please share it in the comments below.

For my part I am creating social media posts highlighting quotes from the document which I will post on the first Wednesday (Wednesdays are devoted to St. Joseph) of each month. I will include a short description connecting the quote with life today. If you want to see those quotes you can follow Catholic Web Solutions on Facebook or Instagram. Feel free to share them if you like.

If you are doing something special for the Year of St. Joseph, please share your idea with us.

I wish you a great 2021! May Saint Joseph inspire and guide us to carry out mission/ministries faithfully and without hesitation.