“WITH FATHER’S HEART…” CELEBRATING SOLEMNITY OF SAINT JOSEPH

By giving Jesus a name, Joseph assumed completely his role of a father. A father with a special heart who keeps forming, „sculpturing” the heart of his son: a heart that is near, compassionate, amiable, of service, attentive, endearing…

From this father’s heart and united with the heart of Jesus, we intercede for whole humanity, especially for its part that is in need of compassion, mercy, love…

Beloved father, who made of your life a total gift of yourself, of your life, of your work, your heart and all capacity in loving put at the service of Messiah born in your house, teach us to live in permanent self-donation and service  of those you entrust to us day by day.

Father of tenderness, who teaches us to believe that God can act even through fears, fragility and weakness, make us live relationships that are full of respect, inclusive, dignifying, of solidarity and fraternity with those who suffer the most: the marginalized, poor, vulnerable, rejected.

Father of obedience, who the same way Mary did, gave your Fiat to the plans and ways of God, help people of God and especially those who have the mission of „shepherding”, to cultivate a heart and a life in total docility to the project and the ways of God, assuming all the structural consequences it might imply.

Father of acceptance, who shows us that God can give us strength to welcome life the way it is, to make space even for this contradictory part, unexpected and disappointing of the existence, intercede in a special way for those who suffer from depression, emptiness and meaninglessness; may we know to bring them light and warmth of God’s love.

Father of courage, who knew  to transform every problem in opportunity, setting before always trust in the Providence, increase our hope and help us to persevere and to search for new ways to solve difficulties, challenges and defiance today’s world presents us, especially the violence, wars and divisions.

Father-Worker, from whom  Jesus learned the value, dignity and joy of what it means to eat bread that is fruit of one’s own work, intercede for all the workers, may they be always treated with dignity and justice.

Father in the shadow, who makes us remember  that paternity is never possession but a „sign” that evokes a suprior paternity, inspire all who exercise any type of authority to live it with clarity and generosity.

 

We finish praying together with the words of prayer that Pope Francis has directed to Saint Joseph in his Apostolic Letter uniting ourselves with his intention to intercede for whole of humanity the grace of all graces: the conversion.

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.