Pope Pays Tribute to St. Joseph On His Feast Day

Pope Benedict XVI paid tribute to St. Joseph-- the universal patron of the Catholic Church and his own personal patron saint-- during his public audience on Sunday, March 19.

Ordinarily March 19 is the feast of St. Joseph. Because the date fell this year on a Sunday in Lent, the observance is held on March 20. But the Holy Father spoke about St. Joseph at his Angelus audience, saying that the saint's greatness is "even more evident because his mission took place in the humility and obscurity of his home in Nazareth."

The example set by St. Joseph should inspire all Christians to "faithfulness, simplicity, and modesty," the Pope said. He spoke of "the beauty of a simple hard-working life," and the important duty of parents for the education of their children. The Pope encouraged parents to look to St. Joseph for inspiration and support. He also encouraged workers and leaders of religious communities to rely on his patronage.

Via Catholic World News.
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