ST. MONICA PARISH

The Apostolic Penitentiary issued a decree on December 8, 2020, formally announcing the decision of Pope Francis to celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph through December 8, 2021.

Special opportunities to receive a Plenary Indulgence were also included, subject to the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of
Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Pope, and total detachment to all sin, including venial sin.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Holy See made provision in its decree that persons who are currently unable to go to Mass or confession because of public health restrictions may defer reception of those two sacraments until they are able to do so. Those who are sick, suffering, or homebound may also receive the plenary indulgence by fulfilling as much as they are able and by offering their sorrows and sufferings to God through Saint Joseph, consoler of the sick and patron saint for receiving a good death.

The following prayers and activities have been enriched with a Plenary Indulgence:
 

• meditate for at least 30 minutes on the Lord’s Prayer (“Our Father”) or participate in a spiritual

 

• retreat of at least one day that includes a meditation on Saint Joseph; perform a corporal or spiritual work of mercy, inspired by the life and example of Saint Joseph;

 

• pray the Rosary together as a family or a couple, modeling the virtues of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph;

 

• dedicate with confidence their daily work to the protection of Saint Joseph the Worker, including the efforts of those who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking more dignified work;

 

• devoutly recite the Litany of Saint Joseph (from the Latin Church; available HERE, some or all of the Akathistos hymn to Saint Joseph (from the Byzantine Churches), or another suitable prayer in each liturgical tradition, especially for the intentions of persecuted Catholics in the Church and around the world, and for the relief of all Christians who suffer persecution; or

 

• devoutly recite an another approved prayer to Saint Joseph, for example the “To you, O blessed Joseph” (available HERE), especially on various feasts of Saint Joseph:
  • March 19 (his solemnity),
  • May 1 (St. Joseph the Worker),
  • the Sunday after Christmas (Holy Family),
  • St. Joseph’s Sunday (Byzantine Catholics), or on
  • the 19th day of each month, or each Wednesday, traditionally dedicated to honor his memory with pious devotions.

From the conclusion of the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde
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.

Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that by Saint Joseph’s intercession
your Church may constantly watch over
the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation,
whose beginnings you entrusted to his faithful care.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Votive Mass of Saint Joseph
O God, who in your inexpressible providence
were pleased to choose Saint Joseph
as spouse of the most holy Mother of your Son,
grant, we pray,
that we, who revere him as our protector on earth,
may be worthy of his heavenly intercession.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Joseph the Worker
O God, Creator of all things,
who laid down for the human race the law of work,
graciously grant
that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage
we may complete the works you set us to do
and attain the rewards you promise.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
O God, who were pleased to give us
the shining example of the Holy Family,
graciously grant that we may imitate them
in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity,
and so, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Various Needs: For the Family
O God, in whose eternal design
family life has its firm foundation,
look with compassion on the prayers of your servants
and grant that, following the example
of the Holy Family of your Only Begotten Son
in practicing the virtues of family life and in the bonds of charity,
we may, in the joy of your house,
delight one day in eternal rewards.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.