The launch of this initiative of the Catholic Church in the Philippines will coincide with the National Consecration of Families to St. Joseph and the closing of the Year of St. Joseph.

Gaudium Press, English Edition

Newsdesk (17/11/2021 9:30 AM, Gaudium Press) The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines will launch in all parishes in the country, on December 8, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the Men of St. Joseph movement, an initiative aimed at spreading devotion to the foster father of Jesus.

Response of the Philippine Church to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde”

The establishment of this association of lay men, committed to Jesus and consecrated to St. Joseph, is the Philippine Church’s response to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde,” encouraging the faithful to reflect on the role of Jesus’ foster father “in caring for and loving our Saviour with the heart of the Father.”

Among the goals of this movement of Catholics is to promote devotion to St. Joseph, to imitate his virtues, and to provide opportunities that promote character growth, holiness and Christian fatherhood in the family and in the community, following the qualities of the Church’s Holy Patriarch.

Who can become a member of the Men of St. Joseph movement?

The Men of St. Joseph movement, which will have as propagators and spiritual guides the priests of the Oblates of St. Joseph, will also seek to sanctify work and promote its dignity by meeting the needs of the Church and society through corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

According to the Ad-hoc Committee on the Year of St. Joseph, “any man who is at least 18 years old, Catholic, and willing to learn and commit to practicing the virtues of St. Joseph, can become a member of the association.” This launch will also coincide with the National Consecration of Families to St. Joseph and the closing of the Year of St. Joseph. (EPC)

Compiled by Roberta MacEwan