Pope Francis & St. Joseph: Praying With The Sleeping Saint
Can the quiet contemplation of a sleeping saint offer solace in a world grappling with uncertainty? Pope Francis, a figure known for his profound spirituality, believes it can, and his devotion to Saint Joseph, particularly in his "sleeping" aspect, offers a compelling narrative of faith, trust, and guidance.
Pope Francis, a leader revered for his humility and adherence to time-honored traditions, has publicly expressed his deep admiration for the prayer dedicated to Saint Joseph in his slumber. This unique prayer focuses on entrusting one's concerns and worries to Saint Joseph, acknowledging the saint's ability to intercede on behalf of those who seek his help. The Pope's emphasis on this devotion underscores a fundamental aspect of the Catholic faith: the importance of seeking guidance and support from the saints, particularly in times of difficulty. This reverence for Saint Joseph is not merely a personal preference; it's a testament to the saint's pivotal role as a protector and a model of faith.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Education | Master's Degree in Chemistry, Philosophy, and Theology |
| Ordination | Ordained as a priest in 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | Ordained as a bishop in 1992 |
| Archbishop of Buenos Aires | 1998-2013 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, concern for the poor, environmental protection, and interreligious dialogue. |
| Notable Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home), Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
| Key Devotions | Sleeping St. Joseph, devotion to Mary, emphasis on the importance of prayer |
| Website | Vatican Website |
The practices associated with venerating Saint Joseph are varied and meaningful. The faithful are encouraged to pray an approved prayer to Saint Joseph on specific occasions, like the Sunday following Christmas in the Byzantine Catholic tradition, and, more generally, on the 19th of any month. Celebrating the Feast of Saint Joseph on March 19th with acts of piety is another way to honor him. These observances, recommended by the Church, offer concrete ways for believers to connect with Saint Joseph's spirit and seek his intercession.
The year 2021 marked a significant milestone: the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church, an event originally proclaimed by Pope Pius IX. In commemoration of this anniversary, Pope Francis declared a special "Year of Saint Joseph," which commenced on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in 2020 and extended until the same feast in 2021. This year-long focus on Saint Joseph provided an opportunity for the faithful worldwide to deepen their understanding of his role and strengthen their devotion.
During a General Audience on February 16th, Pope Francis concluded the session by leading the congregation in the prayer to Saint Joseph, which he had included at the end of his apostolic letter, Patris Corde ("With a Father's Heart"). This gesture underscored the importance of this prayer and provided a tangible way for the faithful to participate in the devotion. During his visit to the Philippines some years ago, Pope Francis wove his affection for Saint Joseph into a discussion on prayer and family. He referred to a statue he keeps on his desk, depicting the sleeping Saint Joseph, thus bridging his personal spiritual practice with a larger message about faith and familial life.
The significance of Saint Joseph's character stems, in part, from the accounts in the Gospels. The New Testament portrays Saint Joseph as a man who listened to God through dreams and then acted in accordance with God's will. This aspect of his character resonates deeply with believers who are encouraged to emulate his example of attentiveness to the divine and willingness to act on faith. Pope Francis, recognizing this model of obedience, encourages reflection on Saint Josephs quiet strength and unwavering trust. From November 17, 2021, until the end of that year, Pope Francis engaged the faithful at his general audiences in a series of reflections on devotion to Saint Joseph, providing them with rich material for prayer and thought. He emphasized Saint Joseph's role in providing "support, consolation, and guidance," particularly relevant during times of global crisis.
The prayer to Sleeping Saint Joseph, often included in devotion, beautifully captures the essence of faith and reliance on the saint's intercession: "O Saint Joseph, you are a man greatly favored by the Most High. The angel of the Lord appeared to you in dreams, while you slept, to warn you and guide you as you cared for the Holy Family. You were both silent and strong..." The prayer goes on to request Saint Josephs paternal guidance and grace. Pope Francis's choice of this prayer further amplifies its value, making it a standard for many Catholics to invoke Saint Joseph's help.
In his message for the 2020 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which occurred on September 27th, Pope Francis included a prayer to Saint Joseph. This incorporation underscores the saint's role as a protector and guide for all people, including those most vulnerable. The prayer's inclusion in this message provides further validation of Saint Joseph's significance and relevance in addressing modern societal issues. The faithful are encouraged to explore various Catholic prayers and resources on websites such as MyCatholicPrayers.com to further enrich their faith.
On the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, which falls on May 1st, the Vatican added seven new invocations to the Litany of Saint Joseph, with Pope Francis's approval. This addition highlights the Church's recognition of Saint Joseph's growing importance and the need for additional prayers and support from the faithful. The Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments introduced the seven new invocations to the litany, demonstrating a deeper appreciation for Saint Joseph's intercession.
The Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, which translates to "With a Father's Heart," was key to Pope Franciss initiative. It was the catalyst that brought about the "Year of Saint Joseph," beginning on December 8, 2020, and ending on December 8, 2021. This year was a time for increased devotion, meditation, and appreciation of Saint Joseph's life and role. This timeframe offered an opportunity to delve deeper into the saints character, learn from his example, and seek his intercession.
In his reflections, Pope Francis often emphasized Saint Joseph's qualities of justice and his role as the husband of Mary. During his Wednesday addresses, he frequently provided messages for engaged couples and newlyweds. In a footnote in his new apostolic letter on St. Joseph, Pope Francis mentioned that he had been reciting a special prayer to Saint Joseph for more than four decades. This demonstrates a sustained personal devotion, which further inspires the faithful. In his catechesis on November 17, 2021, Pope Francis suggested a simple, "homemade" prayer to Saint Joseph. In May 2021, in honor of the Year of Saint Joseph, Pope Francis added seven new invocations to the litany to enhance devotion further. The revised and approved translation was adapted from its original publication in 1909.
Saint Joseph Parish holds a special place in the life of Pope Francis. It was at this parish that he first recognized his calling to the priesthood. When he became Pope, he brought a statue of the sleeping Saint Joseph with him to his bedroom in the Vatican. This act symbolizes the importance of Saint Joseph's example of quiet trust and attentiveness to God's will. It emphasizes the value of prayer and the guidance one can obtain from it. This statue serves as a constant reminder of the saint's influence and the importance of seeking his intercession in all aspects of life.
