Pilgrimage with Pope Francis - SIXTH STATION - St. Joseph, patron saint of fathers

Welcome to the sixth station on our virtual pilgrimage to Philadelphia with Pope Francis to the World Meeting of Families. Let us pray!

About St. Joseph

Saint Joseph is the husband of the Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ. Joseph is renowned for his care of the Virgin Mary, who although still young, had consecrated herself to a holy life. Joseph respected her devotion and chastity and provided for her and the young Jesus Christ with all the love and devotion a father could possess.

Joseph was alive when Jesus was 12 and the family visited the Temple in Jerusalem for Passover. After this, he is no longer mentioned in the scripture. Mary is believed to be a widow by the time Jesus began his ministry as an adult.

Joseph was a nurturing father and an example to all men. He was a hard-working provider and a teacher to his son. He was entirely devoted to God and lived an exemplary, holy life.

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, and is the protector of the Church.

Meditation:

As we pause at the shrine of Saint Joseph, let us acknowledge that he is the greatest father to have walked the Earth, and is second among fathers, only to God Himself. What makes Saint Joseph great is his unfailing devotion to Jesus, Mary, and God. He provided for his family, he was a teacher to Jesus, he cared for the Virgin Mary, and he lived a prayerful life, devoted to God. In what ways can I aspire to the example of Saint Joseph? How can I devote myself more to my children, my spouse, and to God?

Prayer:

Saint Joseph, I ask for your intercession. Please ask beloved Jesus Christ, on my behalf, that He bless me and my family, that I may be a better provider and caretaker. Be my protector, Saint Joseph and I will honor and revere your example as I endeavor to become a great provider like you.

O Blessed Saint Joseph, faithful guardian and protector of virgins, to whom God entrusted Jesus and Mary, I implore you by the love which you did bear them, to preserve me from every defilement of soul and body, that I may always serve them in holiness and purity of love. Amen.

Pause and meditate upon this prayer.

Now let us pray the prayer for the World Meeting of Families with Pope Francis.

God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
 in the family of the Church.
May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.
May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.
Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Embrace your Faith

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us.

Let us pause and meditate upon this prayer.

Finally, let us offer our intentions to Saint Joseph.

(List your intentions)

St. Joseph, hear our prayer!

Amen.

Now we invite you to resume your pilgrimage and download the World Meeting of Families prayer. Click the button below to get your free copy.