Pope Francis through an Apostolic Letter titled Patris Corde, (with a Father’s Love) about Saint Joseph, marked the opening of a Year of Saint Joseph, which runs from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021. This recognises that all 4 Gospels refer to Jesus as "the son of Joseph", even though Joseph was not his biological father. Some of you will have seen Pope Francis’ Meditation in the Time of Pandemic, when he recognised the contribution being made "by ordinary people, people often overlooked.” What he praised in them is not only generosity, but a willingness to work patiently spreading "not panic, but shared responsibility" and, in many cases, praying and encouraging others to pray. Joseph’s approach can allow miracles to happen in our lives, and "encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception, and to show special concern for the weak, for God chooses what is weak (cf. 1 Corinthians 1, 27)".

If we respond positively to this challenge, we are continuing Joseph’s mission. A father is a real father "when he becomes like Joseph, who always knew that his child was not his own but had merely been entrusted to his care". Genuine fatherhood has nothing to do with possession; a real father is a shadow on earth of our heavenly Father, "a shadow that follows his Son".

Pope Francis concludes his Apostolic Letter with a prayer to Saint Joseph:

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