Bishop celebrates Mass on the Solemnity of St. Joseph

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PROVIDENCE — Bishop Thomas J. Tobin celebrated Mass on Friday, March 19, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, marking the Solemnity of St. Joseph, a very beautiful and important feast day in the life of the Church.
In his homily, Bishop Tobin reminded all those gathered for daily Mass to pray that they will benefit from St. Joseph’s example of faith and trust.
Today in particular, Bishop Tobin added, there is a special focus on St. Joseph as Pope Francis has asked the faithful to observe this as a special Year of St. Joseph, marking 150 years since he was declared patron saint of the universal Church.
“Pope Francis said the purpose of this year is to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal,” said Bishop Tobin. “It was his faith, trust and obedience that allowed Joseph to do what God asked him to do, even when it was very, very difficult. These are the virtues that signify his very unique role in salvation history. These are virtues that he shares so closely with his spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary. These are the virtues that allow him to have a very special relationship and connection to our Lord Jesus.”
Bishop Tobin concluded, asking all to pray for the Church everywhere, around the world and in the Diocese of Providence.
“Let us bring to St. Joseph all of our problems, our needs, our hopes and aspirations and know that St. Joseph will hear us and will help us,” he said. “May our devotion to St. Joseph this day — throughout this year and always — keep us close to his son Jesus.”