During this year, the Church will celebrate a Year of Saint Joseph, hailing him as a model of fatherhood and a key intercessor in modern times.
In a his Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde, Pope Francis marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of Saint Joseph as a Patron of the Universal Church. The document also details several conditions under which a plenary indulgence will be available.
- Announcement from Vatican News
- Apostolic Letter Patris corde
- Details regarding the conditions for plenary indulgence
- Prayers and Resources from the US Bishops Conference
Pope Francis’s Prayer to Saint Joseph
At the end of his Apostolic Letter, Pope Francis encourages the faithful to pray the following prayer:
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.
American Heritage Girls
The AHG NCC Year of St. Joseph Patch helps girls learn more about St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, and the way he lived a life of virtue. The requirements will help girls discover the life of St Joseph through scripture, Church documents, Patris Corde, sacred images, and encourage girls to live a life of holiness.
- Saint Joseph Patch Program (.pdf)
- Saint Joseph Patch Resources (.pdf)
