“Let us look at Joseph as the model for educators, for he guards and accompanies Jesus in his journey of growth ‘in wisdom, age, and grace,’” the Pope urged March 19 in St. Peter’s Square.
Examining these three modes of Jesus’ growth in life, Pope Francis began with his growth in age: “Joseph, together with Mary, took care of Jesus first of all from this point of view, that is, ‘brought him up,’” – with all the worries of providing for necessities that this entails.
“Don’t forget that the faithful caring for the life of the Child led to the flight into Egypt, the harsh experience of living as refugees – Joseph as a refugee, with Mary and Jesus – to escape the threat of Herod.”
Pope Francis noted that in raising Jesus, St. Joseph also taught him his trade of carpentry.
Continuing on to the second dimension of education, that of wisdom, Pope Francis called St. Joseph Christ’s “example and teacher of the wisdom, which is nourished by the Word of God.”
“We can consider how Joseph taught the young Jesus to listen to the Holy Scriptures, especially accompanying him on the sabbath to the synagogue of Nazareth.”
Turning to Jesus’ growth in grace, Pope Francis said that while “here, certainly, the part reserved to St. Joseph is more limited than in the areas of age and wisdom,” nevertheless “it would be a grave error to think that a father and a mother can do nothing to teach their children to grow in the grace of God.”
“To grow in age, to grow in wisdom, to grow in grace: this is the work Joseph did with Jesus, helping him to grow in these three dimensions.”
While noting that St. Joseph’s mission “certainly is irrepeatable, because Jesus is absolutely unique,” in his caring for Jesus as he grew in age, wisdom, and grace, “he is a model for all educators, in particular for all fathers.”
“So I entrust to his protection all parents, all priests – who are fathers --, and those who have an educating role in the Church and in society.”
He greeted all the fathers in the square, telling them he has asked for them “the grace to be always very close to your children, allowing them the room to grow, but being close, close!”
“They need you, your presence, your nearness, your love. Be for them as St. Joseph: guardians of their grow in age, wisdom, and grace.”
“Thank you for all you do for your children: thank you. Best wishes to you, and happy father’s day to all fathers here, to all fathers. May St. Joseph bless you and accompany you.”
Concluding his address, Pope Francis led the crowd in praying an Our Father “for our fathers.”
Two for one, ping!
St. Joseph’s Day, time for the swallows to return to the Mission Viejo Mall.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
In hard times, don't forget about the humble carpenter Joseph
Saint Joseph: Complete submission to the will of God (Pope Benedict XVI) (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
St. Joseph as Head of the Holy Family (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)
St. Joseph, Patron of a Peaceful Death [Catholic Caucus]
Octave: St. Joseph, A 'Mans Man', Calling Men to Jesus
St. Teresa de Avila's Devotion to St. Joseph (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Men's National Day of Prayer, MARCH 15, 2008, The Solemnity of St. Joseph (Catholic Caucus)
The Role and Responsibility of Fatherhood - St. Joseph as Model
St. Joseph - Foster Father of Jesus
Some divine intervention in real estate-[Bury St. Joseph Statues in Ground]
Many Turn To Higher Power For Home Sales
St. Joseph the Worker, Memorial, May 1
Catholic Devotions: St. Joseph the Worker
Nothing Will Be Denied Him (St. Joseph)
The Heart of a Father [St. Joseph]
St. Joseph's DAY
Quemadmodum Deus - Decree Under Blessed Pius IX, Making St. Joseph Patron of the Church
Father & Child -- St. Joseph
March 19 - Feast of St. Joseph - Husband of Mary - Intercessor of civil leaders
St. Joseph's Spirit of Silence
St. Joseph's Humility (By St. Francis de Sales)
St. Joseph [Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary], Solemnity, March 19
St Josephs Paternal Love
The Heart of St. Joseph
MORE THAN PATRON OF HOMES, IT'S TIME FOR ST. JOSEPH TO GAIN HIGHEST OF RECOGNITION [Fatherhood]
The Importance of Devotion to St. Joseph
St. Francis de Sales on St. Joseph (Some Excerpts for St. Joseph's Day 2004)
St. Joseph: REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS (Guardian Of The Redeemer)
(Saint) Joseph the Patriarch: A Reflection on the Solemnity of St. Joseph
How I Rediscovered a "Neglected" Saint: Work of Art Inspires Young Man to Rediscover St. Joseph