SAINT JOSEPH, A FATHER OF INTERCESSOR FOR FAMILIES

Since the past 7½ of years, I have been especially devoted to St Joseph. I have done my best to introduce St Joseph to all my parishioners and to others - through preaching, writings, social media, etc. Since the Holy Father, Pope Francis announced the Year of St Joseph and the Year of the Plenary Indulgence on 8 December 2020, I constantly sought the intercession of St Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for an end to this COVID-19 pandemic, for our protection from this deadly virus, and for the increase of spiritual life in facing trials and crisis during these troubled times. Every day I have been sharing religious images with special intentions with my Parishioners and friends. They in turn, circulate these intercessions to their friends, inviting them to pray together as a Church.

This year of St Joseph, Patron Saint of the Catholic Church, has gone by quietly, without much promotion and evangelisation - true to the nature of St Joseph himself. He was always silent and worked mysteriously in the Salvation plan of God.

Therefore, in his honour several events and activities were planned for throughout the year as a way of promoting and evangelising St Joseph to everyone. During the first few months of this year, we conducted e-pilgrimages and online formations, which introduced St Joseph as our Spiritual Father. We also managed to celebrate in-person Novena and Mass to St Joseph, the Worker in Church, towards the end of April and beginning of May.

Through these celebrations and formations, many have shown their affection towards St Joseph and have drawn closer to him. People have begun to recognise him as a great intercessor, and whenever my friends or Parishioners request for prayers, I write and place them at the statue of St Joseph. I strongly believe he will pray those intercessions. I have also noticed that many people have included prayers and the litany to St Joseph into their daily lives, and some have made him their Spiritual Father. In fact, I too have done the same in my faith journey - seeking his intercession to assist me in my priestly ministry.

For the past few days, we have had several distinguish priests come to our Parish to celebrate the Novena and Mass for the closing of the Year of St Joseph. Today, I have the privilege of celebrating Mass with the theme - St Joseph, A Father Of Intercessor For Families. St Joseph was the foster father and guardian of Jesus. He never once faltered or relinquished his responsibilities towards Him.

Looking at our own parents, we realise that they are never tired of looking after us and nurturing us throughout our lives. They also never fail to pray for us. All parents would like to see their children grow faithfully and successfully. It is in this same manner that St Joseph, the head of the Holy Family, together with his chaste spouse, Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us unceasingly to their beloved Son, Jesus Christ - for all our needs and intercessions.

Since I was assigned to the Church of St Joseph, Sentul in 2014, my devotion to St Joseph and my faith life has become stronger day by day. I seek St Joseph’s intercession, and he guides my direction in carrying out the mission of Christ and to do God’s will. I personally have experienced how my ministry has become more promising, fruitful and fulfilling over the years - especially in this Parish. The Year of St Joseph will conclude on 8 December 2021, but that doesn’t mean that St Joseph will cease to pray for us and for our families. Our Parents will never abandon us, and certainly St Joseph and Mother Mary will always be our greatest intercessors.

In the Apostolic Letter, “With the Father’s Heart” the Holy Father Pope Francis, highlighted seven essential qualities and virtues of St Joseph. 

-        A Beloved Father,

-        A Tender and Loving Father,

-        An Obedient Father,

-        An Accepting Father,

-        A Creatively Courageous Father,

-        A Working Father, and

-        A Father In The Shadows. 

My dear Parishioners of St Joseph, it will be good for you to reflect and adopt these virtues in your spiritual life, as you grow in your faith. St Joseph is a great gift to me, as he is guiding my priestly life. 

I pray that all of us consistently and persistently seek St Joseph’s intercession, guidance and protection, as we keep his virtues closer to our hearts. During this Advent, we pray that St Joseph’s intercession will prepare us and our families with the true spirit of poverty - free from materialism and things of the world - for the Lord’s coming this Christmas.