"Patris Corde" encourages us to remember St. Joseph

The booklet published by the LEV features the full text of the Apostolic Letter issued by Pope Francis on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church made by Blessed Pius IX, on December 8, 1870. After Mary, Mother of God, no other saint occupies as much space in the papal Magisterium as Joseph, her spouse.

Pope Francis' reflections incorporate the message contained in the verses of the Gospels about Saint Joseph to further highlight his central role in salvation history: Blessed Pius IX declared him "Patron of the Catholic Church," Venerable Pius XII presented him as "Patron of Workers," and Saint John Paul II as "Guardian of the Redeemer."

This special edition includes the Decree on the gift of special Indulgences granted on the occasion of the Year of Saint Joseph, an essay on Saint Joseph and the Popes (from Pius IX to Pope Francis), and prayers to Saint Joseph.