Search
-
August 21, 2021The Church Celebrates the Family Year of Amoris Laetitia Family Continued . . .
On March 19, 2021, the Church celebrated the fifth anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, a spiritual teaching, Amoris Laetitia (On Love in the Family). This writing highlights the beauty and joy of love within the family unit. The Pope not only established “Amoris Laetitia Family” on the anniversary of his teaching about the importance of the family unit, but did so on the feast day of St. Joseph, and during the year in honor of St. Joseph, chosen to be the foster father of Jesus.
St. Joseph, although not heard within Sacred Scripture speaking many words, his actions of purity, goodness and love for the family, protector of Our Dear Lady and Our Savoir, Jesus, spoke volumes. He teaches us to be a model of righteousness and lead a good and holy life. He teaches us to protect and safeguard families within which we live and those families who are in need of our help.
Pope Francis noted that “the main intention of [his writings on the family] is to communicate…that today a new look at the family is necessary on the part of the Church.” He stressed that reiterating the value of [Church teachings] is not enough. Rather, we must become “custodians” of the beauty of the family . . . He stated further, “We are called to accompany, listen, and bless the journey of families,” said the Pope. Not only to chart the direction, but to make the journey with them; to enter [each] home with discretion and love, to say to the couple: the Church is with you; the Lord is close to you; we want to help you safeguard the gift you have received . . . “Let us support the family! Let us defend it from all that compromises its beauty." And, as we hear the Pope’s words, let us, as defenders of the faith, defend, protect and support our families and all its members – the strong and the most vulnerable within and outside the walls of St. John’s and the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.
Each of us can discover in Joseph – an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of celebration of all that is good during times of challenge. Saint Joseph reminds us that no matter what role(s) we play in family life, we can play an unimaginable role in the history of salvation within the world in which we are placed.
St. Joseph, pray for us!
O dearest Saint Joseph, may you always be the protector and the guide for me and my family in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love for the Lord and His will in my life. After your example, may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed Saint Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy that shined through your holy and good life. Amen.
