A Year of St. Joseph
In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis declared a Year of St. Joseph. The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. Fr. Donald Calloway writes that this event set off a tidal wave of St. Joseph’s devotion within the Church.
For Such A Time As This
As Pope Francis wrote in Patris corde, the world of 2020 has awoken to the value of “ordinary” people who do essential work. They reflect to us Saint Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence,” who nonetheless played “an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”
Sister Lucia, the Fatima seer, wrote “The final battle between the Lord and the Kingdom of Satan will be about marriage and the family.” Who better to follow than the head of the Holy Family? Who better to cling to than the Terror of Demons?
How Can We Draw Close To St. Joseph?
St. Joseph is silent within the Scriptures. He’s a man of prayer. A man of action. A beloved father, husband, and worker. Much of what is known of his character is deduced from his actions. But God has also revealed the foster-father of Jesus to mystics, popes, and Saints throughout the years.
Fr. Donald Calloway has assembled many of these teachings and prayers into a clear 33-day program titled “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.” After a month of spiritual reading and prayer, participants can entrust themselves wholly to the spiritual fatherhood of St. Joseph.
Is Consecration Necessary?
Certainly not. The Scriptures tell us that only one thing is needed. No one who joins the group is required to make a formal prayer of consecration, unless they so desire. All are welcome to join us in reading and prayer.
What If I Am Already Consecrated to The Blessed Virgin Mary? Can I Consecrate Myself More Than Once.
Absolutely! I love what Fr. Calloway writes in the introduction to his book: “God desires that all children be committed to the love and care of a mother and a father.” Indeed, loving never divides. The more love you give, the more you have.
Does Consecration Lessen My Commitment To Jesus Christ?
Never! Turning to Fr. Calloway again, “The Hearts of Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph are one.” Mary and Joseph were among Christ’s first followers. Fr. Calloway identifies St. Joseph as the first missionary, since he first brought Christ to another country, when he protected his family on the Flight to Egypt. At all times, Sts. Joseph and Mary echo “do whatever He tells you.” (Jn. 2:5)
An Invitation to Group Consecration to St. Joseph
You are invited to join us, ordinary Catholics like you, in a private Facebook group, dedicated to St. Joseph.
Beginning on February 15th, we will read through Fr. Donald Calloway’s excellent book, “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.” Each participant needs a copy of the book (you can of course share with your spouse!).
I will post daily reflection questions. There’s no participation required. But do use these daily check-ins to mark off each day’s readings.
We will also host a small number of speakers to tell us their own story of St. Joseph’s protection, guidance, and wonders.
The group’s daily practice will end on March 19th, consecration day, and the highest feast of St. Joseph. Then our real work begins: going out to our own communities and spreading the devotion of St. Joseph, our spiritual father.
