Pope Francis’ deep devotion to Saint Joseph was highlighted when he chose his inaugural day to be on March 19, the Solemnity (Feast) of Saint Joseph. Writhing Patris Corde during the Covid-19 pandemic, he was inspired that Saint Joseph, “has helped us see more clearly the importance of ‘ordinary’ people who though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. In this, they resemble Saint Joseph, the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence,” who nonetheless played “an incomparable role in the history of salvation’.” (https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-21).

In the closing of "Patris Corde," Pope Francis shared the prayer of trust he has prayed for over 40 years at the conclusion of Morning 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 on the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen...”

Faithful believers pray the ancient Nine Day Novena Prayer to Saint Joseph during the Church Year all throughout the world. It is extremely powerful to begin the Nine Days leading up to March 19, the Feast of Saint Joseph. This year the 9 days would begin on Wednesday, March 10 and conclude on the Eve of the Feast Day.

For the full Novena see: https://www.praymorenovenas.com 
--2021, Diocese of Altoona/Johnstown Liturgy Committee, Liturgy Office, Mary, Mother of the Church Pastoral Center, 2713 W. Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, PA. 16601

--Parish Bulletin, Mar. 7, 2021