With joy, the Church celebrates the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron Saint of the Universal Church! To mark this occasion, the Holy Father Pope Francis has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021.  During this time we devote particular prayers and petitions to St. Joseph, whom Pope Francis describes as beloved, tender, loving, obedient, accepting, and courageous - and as a working father who accepted being in the shadows. 

St. Joseph's Altars

On the annual Feast Day of St. Joseph (March 19), many Catholics celebrate by constructing "altars" in honor of St. Joseph. St. Joseph altars are often divided into three sections with a statue of St. Joseph at the head. The devout place candles and religious articles upon the altars.  Offerings of food are also added, to symbolize the bounty the Lord God bestows through St. Joseph's intercession.

Prayer to St. Joseph

    Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
    Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
    To you God entrusted his only Son;
    in you Mary placed her trust;
    with you Christ became man.

    Blessed Joseph, to us too,
    show yourself a father
    and guide us in the path of life.
    Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
    and defend us from every evil. 
    Amen.