In his apostolic letter, Patris Corde, Pope Francis encourages us to implore the intercession of St Joseph, and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.
For the reflection material click HERE
An easy to print Marist Laity guide to the reflection can be found HERE
For an easy to print Marian Mothers Guide, click HERE
To Listen to the Audio, click HERE.

Begin with Prayer, then read Matthew 1:18-21, 24

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”   When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded and took his wife into his home.

Read the Scripture again to yourself.

Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.

Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

 

Marian Mothers questions to help guide your sharing.

  • Spend a few moments really looking at this image. Share: what
    strikes you? What connects with the reflection? What longings does it stir
    in you?
  • Joseph as a model calls us to “embrace the way things are, with
    hope and courage, even when they do not turn out as we wish.” How can
    that insight help us as mothers?
  • Joseph’s life encourages us to … show special concern for the weak:
    As a mother how do I show that? As a family?
  • Read Charter No. 6 BELOW, together. How could you strengthen
    connection with St Joseph in your family.

 

 

Marian Mothers Charter No.6

The family is the basic unit of society and the Christian home is the ‘domestic church’.

“The Christian family can and should be called the ‘domestic church’.” Pope John Paul II

Pray Together Then Conclude the Meeting with this Prayer

“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.” (By Pope Francis)

St Joseph, our counsellor and guide, grant us your aid. (Italics from Traditional Marist prayer).

Amen