Page 66 - Reflections on St. Joseph

Appendix - St. Joseph in the Magisterium of the Popes (1870-2020)

Leo XIII - was the first Pope in history to dedicate an entire Encyclical to the adoptive father of
Jesus: Quamquam Pluries (August 15, 1889) which contained the prayer “To you O blessed
Joseph” and various indulgences.

Pius X - approved the Litany of St. Joseph by the Decree Sanctissimus Dominus, March 18, 1909,
and invited the faithful to honor him on Wednesdays, the day dedicated to him.

Benedict XV - on the 50th anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the
Universal Church, he dedicated to St. Joseph, Patron of the Catholic Church, the Motu Proprio
Bonum Sane, July 25, 1920.

Pius XI - several times mentioned that the mission of St. Joseph was above all other missions,
including that of St. John the Baptist and St. Peter. (cf. Encyclical Letter Divini Redemptoris,
March 19, 1937).

Pius XII - instituted the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1, 1955).

John XXIII - nominated him Patron of Vatican Council II with the Apostolic Letter Le voci che
(March 19, 1961) which is an extraordinary summary of devotion to St. Joseph in the world.

John Paul II - dedicated to St. Joseph the Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos,
commemorating the 100th anniversary of Quamquam Pluries August 15, 1989.

Benedict XVI - several times emphasized the excellence of the virtues of St. Joseph.

Francis - began his Petrine ministry on the Feast of St. Joseph and dedicated the Homily to him
(March 19, 2013) and he inserted the name of St. Joseph in Eucharistic Prayers II, III and IV in
the Roman Missal (May 1, 2013)

42 Reflections on st. joseph