Monthly publication of the International
Josephite-Marellian Center

August 2019

1. Welcoming                                                                                                                                     2. Opening Prayer
3. Theme of the Month:

The Year of Saint Joseph, a gift of Divine Providence

"I gladly fulfill this pastoral duty so that all may grow in devotion to the Patron of the Universal Church and in love for the Savior whom he served in such an exemplary manner. In this way the whole Christian people not only will turn to St. Joseph with greater fervor and invoke his patronage with trust, but also will always keep before their eyes his humble, mature way of serving and of "taking part" in the plan of salvation.”

(Pope John Paul II - Redemptoris Custos, 1)

On the occasion of the "Year of St. Joseph", Fr. Jan Pelczarski, Superior General of the Oblates of St. Joseph, exhorted us to rely more and more on the presence of St. Joseph in our midst and explained the main reasons for celebrating the Year of Saint Joseph:

"In reference to the 5th Resolution (of the 2018 General Chapter), which deals with some occurrences of St. Joseph, Guardian of the Redeemer, I would like to announce the celebration of the Year of St. Joseph in our Congregation, officially beginning on March 19, 2019, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary, and to close on March 19 of the following year."

"The circumstances that have suggested this initiative can be found in various commemorative dates that occur in the period 2019-2020: the 30th anniversary of John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos (August 15, 1989), which in turn wanted to celebrate the centenary of the promulgation of the encyclical Quamquam Pluries (August 15, 1889) of Leo XIII, on devotion to St. Joseph, and 150 years of the decree Quemadmodum Deus (December 8, 1870) with which Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church."

"But the most real and profound reason for our initiative lies in the conviction that the reference to our Holy Protector and Patron of the Universal Church can be for us a providential opportunity to go to the roots of our spirituality in the light of the Magisterium of the Church; to promote a deeper reflection on the spiritual heritage that the Guardian of the Redeemer left for the Christian community; and, finally, to a real renewal and reinvigoration of the mission we are carrying out."

"Inspired by St. Joseph Marello, many times along our historic journey, we pray that St. Joseph may teach us the way and, better yet, walk with us:

"Let us therefore say to our Great Patriarch: Here we are all for You and You be all for us. Teach us the way, sustain us at every step, lead us where Divine Providence wants us to arrive. Whether the road be long or short, flat or rough, whether or not we see our goal, quickly or slowly, with you we are sure to walk always well."

Saint Joseph Marello
The Year of Saint Joseph is a gift of Divine Providence, an opportunity that God gives us to give a new spirit and a direction to our journey, from three objectives:

1.) Go to the roots of our spirituality in the light of the latest teaching of the Magisterium of the Church.

2.) To promote a deeper reflection on the spiritual heritage that the Guardian of the Redeemer left for the Christian community.

3.) We will seek a true renewal and reinvigoration of the mission that we are carrying out."

"During this month (August 2019) when we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos, it would be very much appropriate for us to reflect on the reasons that led the Pope to write this important apostolic exhortation, this "pastoral duty" that caused so much joy to the Pope:"

"Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife.» (cf. Mt 1:24). Inspired by the Gospel, the Fathers of the Church from the earliest centuries stressed that just as St. Joseph took loving care of Mary and gladly dedicated himself to Jesus Christ's upbringing, he likewise watches over and protects Christ's Mystical Body, that is, the Church, of which the Virgin Mary is the exemplar and model. On the occasion of the centenary of Pope Leo XIII's Encyclical Quamquam Pluries, and in line with the veneration given to St. Joseph over the centuries,

I wish to offer for your consideration, dear brothers, and sisters, some reflections concerning him "into whose custody God entrusted his most precious treasures." I gladly fulfill this pastoral duty so that all may grow in devotion to the Patron of the Universal Church and in love for the Savior whom he served in such an exemplary manner. In this way the whole Christian people not only will turn to St. Joseph with greater fervor and invoke his patronage with trust, but also will always keep before their eyes his humble, mature way of serving and of "taking part" in the plan of salvation.

I am convinced that by reflecting upon the way that Mary's spouse shared in the divine mystery, the Church - on the road towards the future with all of humanity - will be enabled to discover ever anew her own identity within this redemptive plan, which is founded on the mystery of the Incarnation.

This is precisely the mystery in which Joseph of Nazareth "shared" like no other human being except Mary, the Mother of the Incarnate Word. He shared in it with her; he was involved in the same salvific event; he was the guardian of the same love, through the power of which the eternal Father «destined us to be his sons through Jesus Christ.» (Eph 1:5).”

 (Pope John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos, 1)

4.) Reflection and Sharing
Share on the words of the Pope John Paul II: "I gladly fulfill this pastoral duty so that all may grow in devotion to the Patron of the Universal Church and in love for the Savior whom he served in such an exemplary manner. In this way the whole Christian people not only will turn to St. Joseph with greater fervor and invoke his patronage with trust, but also will always keep before their eyes his humble, mature way of serving and of "taking part" in the plan of salvation.”

5.) Commitment of the Month
Share in our communities about the concrete way of profitting of the Year of St. Joseph, this true and precious gift of Divine Providence.