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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Pope Francis Celebrates the Solemnity of St. Joseph and the First Anniversary of His Petrine Ministry with a Reflection on St. Joseph as Father and Teacher


GENERAL AUDIENCE
 
Saint Peter's Square
Wednesday, 19 March 2014


Speaker:

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.

Santo Padre: Saluto cordialmente i pellegrini di lingua inglese presenti all’odierna Udienza, e in particolare quelli provenienti da Inghilterra, Irlanda, Danimarca, Indonesia, Canada – San Giuseppe è il Patrono del Canada! Preghiamo per il Canada; e Stati Uniti.  Rivolgo un saluto particolare alla delegazione dell’Università Sophia di Tokyo in occasione del centesimo anniversario di fondazione.  Su tutti voi invoco la gioia e la pace del Signore Gesù!

Speaker: I am pleased to greet the English-speaking visitors and pilgrims present at today’s Audience, including those from England, Ireland, Denmark, Indonesia and the United States.  In a special way I greet the delegation from Sophia University in Japan, which this year marks the centenary of its founding.  Upon all of you I invoke the joy and peace of Jesus our Lord!


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