Page 128 - Reflections on St. Joseph

theological tradition to see the formal element of marriage in the “indivisible union of souls”.
Also from this point of view, the virtuous behavior of Joseph is particularly eloquent for our time.

As for Mary, so also for Joseph, the mission received from God does not end with his earthly
“pilgrimage of faith” but continues in heaven. In fact, as he is in relationship with the Head so he
is in relationship with the body and with its members. Inspired by the Gospel, the Fathers of the
Church, from the first centuries, have underlined that St. Joseph as he cared lovingly for Mary
and dedicated himself with joyful dedication to the education of Jesus Christ, so he guards and
protects his mystical body, the Church, of which the Blessed Virgin is figure and model. For this
reason Blessed Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph “Patron of the Universal Church”.

Pope John Paul II recalled with particular veneration the prayer to the Saint by Pope Leo XIII. In
this prayer, St. Joseph is asked to continue his mission as Protector, to dispel “the evil of falsehood
and sin”, assisting us “in this struggle with the powers of darkness” and defending us from “the
snares of our enemies and from all adversity”.

Today still, the Pope assures us, we have many reasons to pray to and recommend each person to
St. Joseph. With St. Joseph Marello we say: “You, O Joseph, show us the way, protect us in each
step, and lead us where Divine Providence wants us to go”.

Activities of the “St. Joseph Marello” Province for devotion to St. Joseph

One of the special characteristics of our ministry in parishes and in our social works is the
devotion to St. Joseph which is to be lived and spread.

We point out here that which are the activities of devotion to St. Joseph in our Various
Communities. In all of them there is the weekly prayer of the “Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph”,
recited in common and often with the people of the parish. The votive masses are of St. Joseph.

ALBA – On Wednesday, votive masses of St. Joseph
Monthly meeting of the Josephite Laity on the person of St. Joseph. For the Solemnity of March
19, there is a triduum in preparation.

A group of laity take care of the spreading of Josephite publications.

ASTI , MOTHER HOUSE – Besides the votive masses of St. Joseph every Wednesday, the 1st
Wednesday of the month there is an evening MEETING of prayer, song, adoration, catechesis and
Holy Mass, which a large number of people attend. There are many confessions. This takes place
from 8:15pm until 11:00pm.

At the beginning of the social year the Josephite Laity renew their Promise.

On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, March 19, the Mass is presided over by the Bishop and
concelebrated by the confreres from the nearby houses, by the Pastors of the City and the diocese.
This ends with a fraternal reception.

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Reflections on st. joseph