For the next several weeks we invite you to reflect on Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Patris Corde, With a Father’s Heart. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has created a guided reflection series on this letter, and each Tuesday, starting today, we will post one episode of the series. You can use this series on your own for person reflection, or you can use it with your family or friends. It works very well for short zoom gatherings online! Follow the process below for the first in this series.

Joseph, A Beloved Father

Opening Prayer

Beloved St. Joseph, you inspire us to be people of faith.
You devoted your life to the care and nurture of the child Jesus and Mary, His Mother. 
You gave yourself wholly in service to the will of the Father.
With Mary, you promoted our salvation
that reaches its fulfillment through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Guide us, beloved St. Joseph,
that we may do the will of the Father freely and without reservation just as you did.
We make our prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen

Video Reflection

In this video, Fr. Michael DeLaney, CCS, Rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Montreal QC reflects on St. Joseph as a beloved father.  He considers questions such as:
– Who is Joseph?
– What is his role for the universal Church/or/life of Jesus?
– How do we know he is beloved?

For further reflection

Take some time to consider these questions. If you are reflecting on your own you may wish to journal. If you are using this reflection with a group, perhaps give time for personal reflection as well as optional sharing.

– How did you first learn about St. Joseph? Who taught you?
– Why is St. Joseph beloved? How does his life inspire us to reach out to and care for the poor and oppressed?
– St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Canada.  How can he help us to be a more just and compassionate nation?

Closing 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.

Prayer: © Libreria Editrice Vaticana

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Watch this website next Tuesday for
Joseph, A Tender & Loving Father