Welcome!

Livestream from the Cathedral

Ite ad Joseph - Go to Joseph

In an Apostolic Letter entitled Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart), Pope Francis has proclaimed a Year of Saint Joseph from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021. The holy year marks the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. “My desire to do so increased during these months of pandemic,” the holy father said, noting that many people had made hidden sacrifices during the crisis in order to protect others. “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.” In its decree December 8, the Apostolic Penitentiary said that, “to reaffirm the universality of St. Joseph's patronage in the Church,” it would grant a plenary indulgence to Catholics who recite any approved prayer or act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, especially on March 19, the saint’s solemnity, and May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. The decree said: “In the current context of health emergency, the gift of the plenary indulgence is particularly extended to the elderly, the sick, the dying and all those who for legitimate reasons are unable to leave the house, who, with a soul detached from any sin and with the intention of fulfilling, as soon as possible, the three usual conditions, in their own home or where the impediment keeps them, recite an act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, comfort of the sick and patron of a happy death, offering with trust in God the pains and discomforts of their life.” The three conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence are sacramental confession, the reception of Holy Communion and prayer for the pope's intentions. In his apostolic letter, Pope Francis reflected on the fatherly qualities of St. Joseph, describing him as beloved, tender and loving, obedient, accepting, and “creatively courageous.” He also underlined that he was a working father. “St. Joseph reminds us that those who appear hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation.”

St. Joseph, Patron of our Parish, pray for us.

Fr. Jason Jalbert

Rector and Pastor