Year of Saint Joseph

Year of St. Joseph

Year of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Raleigh

Marking the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis has proclaimed a year dedicated to St. Joseph.

The Holy Father wrote the apostolic letter, “Patris Corde” (“With a father’s heart”), during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the letter he wrote, “My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic, when we experienced, amid the crisis, how our lives are woven together and sustained by ordinary people, people often overlooked.” In this, he said, they resemble Saint Joseph, “the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence,” who played an incomparable role in the history of salvation.

“Patris Corde” reveals the heart of Saint Joseph, who the Holy Father describes as courageous, obedient and loving through his personal reflections.

The Diocese of Raleigh will commence the Year of Saint Joseph on his feast day, March 19. The yearlong observation will continue through December 8, 2021. Resources devoted to Saint Joseph will be updated throughout the year.

Diocesan pilgrimages

The Holy See has granted a plenary indulgence for the faithful who make a pilgrimage to churches or sacred places named after Saint Joseph during this special year.

Diocesan churches named after Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph, Burgaw

Saint Joseph, Raleigh

Saint Joseph the Worker, Warrenton

Resources

Prayer cards (PDF): English | Spanish

Novena to St. Joseph, March 10-18 (PDF): English | Spanish

VIDEOS: Patris Corde: With a Father's Heart - Watch on YouTube

Prayers to Saint Joseph

USCCB Resources

St. Joseph and Fatherhood

Año de san José y recursos para los papás