10 Ways to Celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph

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03/18/2021

Pope Francis has proclaimed a special “Year of St. Joseph” in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. 

Therefore, St. Joseph’s feast day this year is a solemnity—the highest order of liturgical feast, meaning that Catholics are to observe it similar to a Sunday.

We have put together some ideas to help you celebrate! Whatever you do, make sure to observe the spirit of the law and celebrate the life of St. Joseph on Friday. Offer him your thanksgiving and pledge to live a holy and virtuous life. 


1. Attend STM's Vespers Service
We will be holding a Vespers liturgy (in place of Stations of the Cross) at 5 pm on the Solemnity of St. Joseph! Register to attend in person or participate virtually on Facebook.

2. Read Pope Francis' Apostolic Letter, With A Father's Heart
In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows. 

3. Refrain from Lenten Fasting and Mortifications
You can eat meat this Friday! The Catholic Church in the United States instructs the faithful to abstain from eating meat on each Friday of Lent. However, since St. Joseph's feast day is a Solemnity, fasting and abstinence are temporarily lifted. The faithful are not obligated to observe any Lenten mortifications on this day!

4. St. Joseph's Table Meal Blessing
On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, it is the custom in some places to bless bread, pastries, and other food and give a large portion of it to the poor. Pray this special meal blessing as a family before eating.

5. Have a Traditional Italian Feast
Italians and Italian-Americans have a rich history of celebrating St. Joseph’s feast day. This is because there was a great famine in Sicily caused by a drought in the Middle Ages, and the people prayed to St. Joseph for relief. These prayers brought on massive rain that spared their Spring crops. Today, Sicilians celebrate by going to Mass before their St. Joseph's day dinner, then process to their festive tables, decked out in flowers, breads, and lots of food.

6. Decorate Your Home with Lilies
In Catholic art, St. Joseph is often pictured with lilies. White lilies symbolize St. Joseph's integrity, obedience, and purity. Consider buying a bouquet of lilies in honor of St. Joseph on his feast day!

7. Attend Mass
Join us for daily 7:15 am Mass! Register to attend or watch the livestreamed Mass on Facebook!

8. Learn About the Year of St. Joseph
This Vatican News article provides a nice overview of why Pope Francis chose to make this year the Year of St. Joseph. It also includes Pope Franics' prayer to St. Joseph, which he encourages all of us to pray together:

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.

9. Learn "Why St. Joseph is the Saint We Need in 2021"
The hiddenness of St. Joseph's life can speak to those overwhelmed by the pandemic. In this video, Fr. James Martin, SJ, reflects on why St. Joseph is the saint we need as enter into a new year. 

10. Simply pray for St. Joseph's Intercession
St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of the Universal Church, fathers, immigrants, workers, carpenters, happy deaths, and many others. Pray for his intercession for a special personal intention.

St. Joseph, Pray for Us!

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We are always looking for ways to give you, our parishioners, the opportunity to share your experiences! If you would like to submit your story, please email Anzley at aharmon@morecommunity.org. 


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