THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIO CLIMAXES THE YEAR OF ST JOSEPH WITH SOLEMN HOLY MASS

In his Homily the Papal Nuncio highlighted St Joseph being described as Pope Francis in his Apostolic letter ‘Patris Corde – With a paternal heart’ as "Beloved father, father of tenderness, in obedience and hospitality; father of creative courage, worker, always in the shadows". He mentioned that Pope’s letter declaring the year of St Joseph was published on 8th December, 2020 on the occasion of 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the Bridegroom of Mary as the patron of the Catholic Church.
The Nuncio, reiterated who St Joseph is to all Christians, recalling what Pope Francis has said of the Saint, ‘the Holy Father emphasizes that everyone can find in St. Joseph an intercessor, helper and guide in difficult moments. This great saint reminds us, the Pope adds, that "all those who are apparently hidden or on the 'second line' have a unique active participation in the history of salvation. They all deserve a word of appreciation and gratitude."’

The Pope’s representative, again mentioned that, ‘The Year of St. Joseph also makes us realize how important the figure of the father is in the family. When we look at the contemporary reality, we will notice how many threats from the so-called modern culture are directed at the family and, above all, at the father. That is why the cult of St. Joseph is so important. The fact that we are solemnly ending the year of St. Joseph does not mean that he will be present to me in our life of faith, on the contrary, he should be more present than before. Saint Joseph accompanies us in our Advent journey to bring us to the mystery of the Incarnation, to Christmas’’.

Touching on the theme (Rejoice!) for the third Sunday of Advent which also called Rejoice Sunday, the Nuncio said in particular reference to the second reading, St. Paul reminds the community at Philippi that God is near, and urges them to be joyful and generous in their relationships with one another, to pray confidently to God, and not to be anxious about their lives. He however added that St Paul was not advocating a life that does not acknowledge suffering but a life of faith that will is disturbed or sadden by suffering but that gives thanks to God in all situations. He emphasised that such was the life of St Joseph who lived a life of trust, peace and happiness that did was not afraid of suffering.

He further asked all to live charitably and honestly, sharing what one has with the needy and being fair and honest in all spheres of life. He concluded his homily by saying that every person needs to enter a loving relationship with Christ and advance the journey of faith by loving other as St Joseph did.

The Nuncio arrived in Koforidua on Friday 10th December for a three-day visit which ended on 12th December with the Climax Mass of the Year of St Joseph. During his stay in Koforidua during which he visited Pope John Minor Seminary at Effiduase-Koforidua, gave some words of exaltation to the Seminarians and had Evening Prayers with them.

 

 


Contact Us / Follow Us
Address: Box KF 625,
Koforidua, Ghana
Tel: 0595-222-361(Office)
E-mail: [email protected]

 
  

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.