By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, May 1, 2025 / 15:30 pm
Pope Francis, who passed away last month, had a deep devotion to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus.
The late pope declared a Year of St. Joseph in December 2020 to mark the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being named the patron of the universal Church. In his announcement, Francis penned an apostolic letter called Patris Corde (“With a father’s heart”), dedicated to the foster father of Jesus.
On this feast day of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1), let’s reflect on some of the poignant quotes from Francis’ document of personal musings on St. Joseph.
Praise for the ordinary ‘hidden’ but vital people
“Each of us can find in Joseph – the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet, and hidden presence – an intercessor, a support, and a guide in times of trouble. St. Joseph reminds us that those who seem hidden or in the shadows can play an incomparable role in the history of salvation. Let us give them the recognition and gratitude they deserve.”
“Our lives are intertwined and upheld by ordinary people, often overlooked. These individuals may not make headlines in newspapers or magazines, or appear on the latest TV shows, yet they are shaping the significant events of our history. They understood that no one can be saved alone.”
An invitation to courage
“Even in the midst of Joseph’s fears, God’s will, his story, and his plan were unfolding. Joseph teaches us that faith in God means believing that He can work through our fears, weaknesses, and frailties. He also teaches us that in the storms of life, we should not be afraid to let the Lord guide our path.
Have you ever felt the need to be in complete control, only to realize that God always sees the bigger picture?
Just like God reassured Joseph with the words, “Son of David, do not be afraid!” (Mt 1:20), it seems as though He is also telling us, “Do not be afraid!” Let go of anger and disappointment, and embrace the way things are, even when they don’t go as planned. It’s not about resignation, but about having hope and courage. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a deeper meaning and allow our lives to be miraculously reborn when we have the courage to live according to the Gospel.
God is greater than our hearts
“God can make flowers spring up from stony ground. Even when our hearts condemn us, ‘God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything’ (1 Jn 3:20).”
God works in our weakness
“We often believe that God only works through our strengths, but in reality, most of His plans are fulfilled despite our weaknesses.”
The gift of one’s self
“Joseph found happiness not in mere self-sacrifice, but in giving of himself. His trust and patient silence were a prelude to concrete expressions of faith.”
Earthly fatherhood points higher
“In every act of fatherhood, remember that it is not about possession, but about being a sign that points to a greater fatherhood.”
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