Mangalore: St. Joseph’s Seminary Church celebrates feast of its Patron Saint

Bellevision Media Network

Mangalore, 19 Mar 2014: The titular feast of St. Joseph, the patron of Mangalore Diocese and the Jeppu Seminary was celebrated with great devotion in St. Joseph’s Seminary Church on Wednesday, 19 March 2014. The Bishop of Mangalore Most Rev. Dr. Aloysius P. D’Souza was the chief celebrant. Nearly 50 priests and hundreds of devotees from nearby parishes of Mangalore attended the feast.

 

In his homily, the Bishop highlighted the role of St. Joseph in the Holy Family and made an appeal to parents, especially men to follow the example of St. Joseph in their family lives.

 

 

Pope Francis celebrates Feast of St. Joseph in Vatican

Pope Francis on Wednesday celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph pointing out that he is a model for all fathers and educators.

Speaking to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the General Audience, the Pope’s catechesis focused on three aspects pertaining to the life and mission of St Joseph: as the “guardian” of the Holy Family; as the teacher and educator of the young Jesus; and as a guide who helped Jesus respond to the working of the Holy Spirit.

And speaking off the cuff, the Pope sent special greetings to all the fathers of the world, thanking them for what they do with their children. "Be close to your children" - the Pope said - "they need you. Just as St. Joseph was close to Jesus in his physical, psychological and spiritual growth, you too must be guardians in age, wisdom and grace".

 

 

The Pope said: Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary and Patron of the universal Church. Saint Joseph is venerated as the “guardian” of the Holy Family, and in this role he serves as a model for all fathers and educators. Joseph watched over Jesus’ human development – his growth, as Saint Luke tells us, “in wisdom, age and grace” (2:52). We think of how Joseph, as the carpenter of Nazareth, taught the young Jesus his trade and the value of work. Joseph also quietly imparted to Jesus that wisdom which consists above all in reverence for the Lord, prayer and fidelity to his word, and obedience to his will. Joseph’s paternal example helped Jesus to grow, on a human level, in his understanding and appreciation of his unique relationship to his heavenly Father. With Our Lady, Joseph guided the young Jesus as he responded to the working of the Holy Spirit in his heart and in his life. By his example and prayers, may Saint Joseph be a sure guide to all parents, priests and teachers charged with the education of our young.