Pope to Josephites: Seek to understand and respond to today's needs

By Thaddeus Jones

Pope Francis has sent a letter to the Superior General of the Congregation of St. Joseph, offering his congratulations to the members of the Istitute as they begin the 150th anniversary of their foundation in Turin by Saint Leonard Murialdo on 19 March 1873.

The Pope wrote that going back to the sources of their foundation can help the religious men draw new energies for the future, while also recalling the Lord's blessings on them. He encouraged them to pray for the Lord's continued blessings to give them strength to respond in ever new ways to their charism of educating young people. 

"New times require new works"

Quoting Saint Leonard Murialdo, the Pope called on the Josephites to follow in his footsteps by aiming to read the signs of the times, understand its challenges, and look creatively for new remedies and outreach.

He recalled on how Saint Murialdo in his era assisted poor and abandoned youth in Turin through charitable outreach, but with a long term goal to offer them a dignified future through education and trade schools. The Saint communicated hope and trust in God's gentle strength, "We are in God's hands," he used to say, "and we are in good hands."

Inspired by Saint Joseph

Saint Murialdo's creative response to unexpected situations drew inspiration from the "ancient and every timely wisdom" of Saint Joseph, the Pope said, helping him carry out his ministry with humility and generosity, exhorting his confreres to draw "strength from the conviction that God loves each one with a tender, provident and merciful affection.

The Pope also paid tribute to the modern-day outreach of the Josephites, working in around the world in parishes, assisting young people, running family homes and oratories.

Creativity of the Holy Spirit

In conclusion, Pope Francis encourages them to follow in the tradition of their Founder "the art of grasping the needs of the times and providing for them with the creativity of the Holy Spirit."

The young need credible witnesses more than ever, he added, and to "let yourselves be guided by the meek and concrete example of Saint Joseph," who would never cease to dream of God's "surprising wonders," who "made his own life the 'sign' of a higher fatherhood, that of the heavenly Father."