Today the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Foster-father of Jesus and Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Pope Francis has designated this year as the “Year of Saint Joseph,” encouraging extra prayer to and contemplating the life of Saint Joseph.
No words of Saint Joseph are recorded in the New Testament, but his deeds certainly are. He is often called “Joseph the Silent,” but he was definitely a man of action, seeking always to do God’s will willingly and joyfully.
Pope Francis recently wrote: “God does not demand perfection but heartfelt enthusiasm.” Such an attitude characterized the life of Joseph of Nazareth. May it be a mark of our lives as well.
The icon of Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus pictured below was written by Abbot Damian Higgins of Holy Transfiguration Byzantine Catholic Monastery in California. Abbot Damian is the teacher of our brothers who are now writing icons and is a good friend of our monastery.
Saint Joseph the Silent, pray for us.
Abbot Christian and the monks
