How to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph

Celebrating the Year of St. Joseph

As we devote an entire year to St. Joseph’s honor, we will undoubtedly unlock many special graces not only for the Diocese of San Bernardino, but for each of the faithful who increase their devotion to him during this special year. There is no greater model than St. Joseph from whom we can learn how to live virtuously in imitation of Jesus and Mary.

“Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord’s graces,” wrote St. Peter Julian Eymard, “When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.”

Below are ideas for how to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph:

For Individuals:

· Begin the Year of St. Joseph with a special intention for his intercession, for which you will offer your prayers and devotion to St. Joseph;

· Learn about St. Joseph virtues and try to imitate them;

· Participate in the 33-day consecration to St. Joseph;

· Pray the Holy Rosary daily, reciting the Year of St. Joseph Prayer at the conclusion;

· Plan a pilgrimage to one or more of the St. Joseph parishes across the diocese;

· Adopt St. Joseph traditions into your prayer life and family life

· Attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on his feast days: March 19^th and May 1^st;

· Participate in the Year of St. Joseph Events across the Diocese;

· Include Prayers to St. Joseph in your morning and evening prayers

· Encourage others to foster as greater devotion to St. Joseph

· Take advantage of the Year of St. Joseph Indulgences granted by the Holy See.

For parishes:

· Offer the Votive Mass of St. Joseph on Wednesdays, the traditional day given to his

honor;

· Recite a Prayer to St. Joseph after daily Masses, such as the Litany of St. Joseph;

· Participate in special prayers and activities during March, the month the Church dedicates to St. Joseph;

· Participate in a 33-day consecration to St. Joseph, with the final consecration prayer said in unison at the parish lead by the pastor or parochial vicar;

· Join us in celebrating St. Joseph’s feast days on March 19th and May 1st with a special celebration of St. Joseph’s table;

· Study of St. Joseph’s Virtues will be incorporated into catechetical lessons and activities using the Monthly Themes for the Year of St. Joseph.