19 St Joseph.  “A father in the shadows.” SEE. Fr Fidelis explained, “speaking of those who remained in the background, during Covid-19, in December 2020 Pope Francis instituted a Year for St Joseph with his Apostolic letter Patris Corde,– Wth a Father’s Heart.   This was 150 years after St Joseph was declared to be patron of the universal Church. From the perspective of fatherhood  Joseph is described in a number of beautiful ways;  a beloved father, tender and loving father, obedient,  accepting, creatively courageous, working, and finally as a father in the shadows. We must also not forget that apart from “father” he was also “Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

Often things in life happen that we do not understand. Our first reaction may be rebellion or disappointment. Joseph set aside his own ideas to accept the course of events and, mysterious as they seemed, embraced and took responsibility for them. Unless we are reconciled with our own history, we will be unable to go forward as we will remain hostage to our expectations and the disappointments that follow. Joseph’s spiritual path accepts, not explains.

Many people wanted to join St Francis and adopt his vision of simplicity but because of their commitments of family and work could not join the friars or sisters. They could join the Third Order or Secular Order, created by St Francis himself for those who remained in the secular world, as many millions have done over time. 

JUDGE, reflect and share. Scripture: Mary’s husband, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly. As he considered this an angel appeared to him in a dream. Matt 1:16-24.  Pope Francis: Joseph accepted Mary unconditionally. He trusted in the angel’s words. “The nobility of his heart is such that he put charity above the law. Today, when psychological, verbal and physical violence towards women is so evident, Joseph appears as a respectful and sensitive man. Even though he does not understand the bigger picture, with God’s help he made a decision to protect Mary’s good name, her dignity and her life. Patris Corde.            

Reflect, share, act, pray the Prayer to St Joseph from Patris Corde, especially as fathers.. 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.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS are prayed in parishes everywhere during Lent. They can also be prayed at home and from a special perspective, widowhood or bereavement. Small leaflets are available from MARFAM @ R10 each. tel 082 552 1275. [email protected].

STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR FAMILIES in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Sotho, Tswana. STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR THE WIDOWED in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Sotho, Tswana. STATIONS OF THE CROSS FOR THE BEREAVED in English and Sesotho.