On December 8, 2020, Pope Francis proclaimed the “Year of St. Joseph”, to run through Dec 8, 2021. This marks the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being named Patron of the Universal Church. The Church has given 22 titles to St. Joseph. I thought a good way to honor him this year would be to reflect on these titles.
The first title is one we may not often consider to be a title as such, even though we always say it: “Saint”. He is in the presence of the Lord in all His glory, is able to look upon our Lord and Savior, together with all the other saints. That to which we are all called has been given him.
“Illustrious Son of David” is another title, which recognizes St. Joseph as a descendant of King David. In Matthew ch. 1, three groups of 14 generations ending with Joseph are named. So St. Joseph is an essential part of the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David’s line.
I will be reflecting on titles of St. Joseph each month this year, and invite you to do so as well.