Dozens of guests and members of the community welcomed the pope, who listened to the experiences several of them shared and watched a segment of a film on the life St. Joseph, which was produced by young people living at two fraternities in Medjugorje.
The Knights of Columbus made its latest documentary, “St. Joseph: Our Spiritual Father,” available to view for free on its website Dec. 8 to coincide with the end of the “Year of St. Joseph.”
As the guardian of Jesus and Mary, St. Joseph’s reassuring presence is an example for Christians who are called to care for the lonely and those who struggle in their lives, Pope Francis said.
The San Diego-based musician, who last year marked 30 years in music ministry, has written and recorded “Song of St. Joseph.”
The Holy Family icon will be taken to Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and back to the Holy Land to be sent for the Vatican closing Mass celebrated for the year of St. Joseph Dec. 8.
Pope Francis wants us to invoke St. Joseph’s protection, “to seek his prayers and guidance, and to learn from the example of his virtue,” said Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, during a special national Mass.
“St. Joseph is an example to all fathers of providing a daily witness of true strength and gentleness, preparing our children well in the ordinary moments of each day.”
Joseph, Mary and Jesus are models of how our domestic churches should operate: with humility, sacrifice and service.
