From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 7: Archbishop of the Archdiocese Dr Peter Machado, inaugurated the Year of St Joseph, who is honoured by the Catholic Church as the Father of the Poor, by symbolically lighting the lamp during the solemn Eucharistic celebration at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral held on Wednesday evening.

Pope Francis has declared the year 2021 as the year of St Joseph, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation of St Joseph as the patron of the Universal Church.

In this background, the archdiocese had taken 2021 as the year of the poor.

Speaking in his homily, the archbishop depicted two salient aspects of St Joseph portrayed during his life. He elucidated on how St Joseph was responsibly taking care of the holy family.

The prelate also noted that God manifested his marvellous works for St Joseph as well as for humanity.

“St Joseph who took loving care of Mother Mary and Infant Jesus is truly an inspiration for all of us today. I see three reasons why Holy Father Pope Francis declared the year 2021 as the year of St Joseph. First of all, St Joseph is the father of humanity. Secondly, he is the father of the Church, and thirdly, he is the father of the family,” the archbishop said.

“We have seen the plight of the poor during the unprecedented pandemic lockdown. There is no better example like St Joseph to draw inspiration from in these troubled times to serve our society and the poor,” he added.

Many priests, religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese took part in the holy eucharist and prayed in unison for various intentions.

The specially designed prayer cards were released for the recitation of the prayer to St Joseph as it is written by Pope Francis in his Apostolic letter 'Patris Corde'.

The link for the holy eucharist for the inauguration of the year of St Joseph is below:

https://youtu.be/5ILZaU48_-s