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On the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, Pope Francis proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” to mark the occasion. He recalls in a new Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church by Blessed Pope Pius IX.

Saint Joseph is also the patron of workers, father, and a happy death.

Let us now make our prayer to him:

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.

(Pope Francis)

Link to Apostolic Letter