St Joseph the Worker - May 1 - Photo:canva.com
On December 8th 2020, Pope Francis gave a message on the 150th Anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. Due to his role in salvation history, Saint Joseph has always been revered as a father of Christian people. Saint Joseph is also patron of many things, including fathers, the dying and social justice.
Throughout history, various churches and religious groups bear the name of Saint Joseph, in honour of his inspiration. St Columban’s Mission Society has a particular association with Saint Joseph. He is the patron of the Church in China where the Columbans began their missionary work in 1920. After Jesus and Mary, many cathedrals and churches in China are dedicated in the name of Saint Joseph.
Pope Francis says, “each of us can discover in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble. Saint Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. A word of recognition and of gratitude is due to them all.”
Sr Caroline Vaitkunas RSM
Peace, Ecology and Justice Office
Columban Mission Centre, Essendon
