Saint Joseph:  

Pope Francis, recalling the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021. Francis notes that the Covid-19 pandemic has helped us see more clearly the importance of “ordinary” people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. 

If someone were writing a description of you, what would be the first word they would choose? Would they describe your appearance? Your job? Your personality? Or would they describe your character? 

One of the first things we learn about Saint Joseph is that he was “a righteous man” (Matthew 1: 19). Some translations say that he was a “just” man, which essentially means the same thing. 

What does being “righteous” or “just” actually mean? Some synonyms include virtuous, upright, decent, worthy, ethical, and principled. Basically, it means that Joseph was what we could call a “good man”. It doesn’t mean that he was without flaws or faults. He might have snored or retold the same stories or even got upset at times. What it does mean is that he was a man who could be trusted to keep his word, be honest in his business dealings, and err on the side of kindness.

Since we know so few details about Joseph, the fact that his character is the primary way he is described tells us not only that the writers of the Gospels thought his character mattered, but also that his character was his outstanding characteristic. We have no idea of his age or his appearance, but we know he was a “good man”. To be known for 2,000+ years as a genuinely good person might just be the best description any of us can hope for. 

Prayer

Go, then to Joseph, and do all that he shall say to you; 

Go to Joseph, and follow him as Jesus and Mary followed him; 

Go to Joseph, and speak to him as they spoke to him; 

Go to Joseph, and consult him as they consulted him; 

Go to Joseph, and honour him as they honoured him; 

Go to Joseph, and be grateful to him as they were grateful to him; 

Go to Joseph, and love him, as they love him still. 

(Saint Alphonsus Liguori) 

Saint Joseph, you know what it is like to live as a good person in trying times. 

Help us to find our own central core of decency and never compromise our values. 

Amen

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

• Thursday 11 February - Opening College Mass
   
• Wednesday 17 February - Ash Wednesday 
  Ash Wednesday Liturgy in House groups during Coaching
   
• Thursday 25 February - Year 7 Belonging Day

Blessings,

Christine Savage | Leader of Mission