March, the Month of St. Joseph

 Honoring  St. Joseph

 With a Father's Heart

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny celebrate and honor St. Joseph during this month of March, the month designated as the month honoring St. Joseph, the Universal Patron of the Church.  Pope Francis in his December 8, 2020, Apostolic Letter, ‘Patris Corde’ (with a Father’s Heart), on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church declared a ‘Year of St. Joseph’ from December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021.

The Holy Father wrote Patris corde against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which, he says, has helped us see more clearly the importance of “ordinary” people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. In this, they resemble Saint Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence,” who nonetheless played “an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

Welcoming the Will of God

Motto of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny

St. Joseph’s spiritual path “is not one that explains, but accepts” — which does not mean that he is “resigned.” Instead, he is “courageously and firmly proactive,” because with “Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude,” and full of hope, he is able “to accept life as it is, with all its contradictions, frustrations and disappointments.” In practice, through St. Joseph, it is as if God were to repeat to us: “Do not be afraid!” because “faith gives meaning to every event, however happy or sad,” and makes us aware that “God can make flowers spring up from stony ground.” Joseph “did not look for shortcuts but confronted reality with open eyes and accepted personal responsibility for it.” For this reason, “he encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception, and to show special concern for the weak” (Patris Corde, 4).

Join Us In Praying

Memorare Prayer of St. Joseph

Remember, O most pure Spouse of the Virgin Mary, my kind

and powerful Protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to Your protection or implored your aid, without obtaining relief.  Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come to you, and humbly implore you.  Despise mot my petitions, O Foster-Father of the Redeemer, but graciously hear and grant them.  Amen.

 

St. Joseph, our Protector, Pray For Us