The Year of St. Joseph
Dear Parishioners,
In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as
Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Bl. Pius IX on December 8, 1870, Pope Francis
issued an Apostolic Letter, Patris corde – “With a Father’s Heart” – declaring a Holy
Year of St. Joseph, to be observed from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021. This
Year of St. Joseph has particular significance to us, since St. Joseph, as well as being the
Patron of the Universal Church, is also the patron of our “local church,” our parish of St.
Joseph, Garden City.
Over the front doors of our church is the inscription, Ite Ad Joseph – “Go to
Joseph.” It is a fitting invitation to all who enter. The relief above the inscription
depicts St. Joseph with his arms outstretched in protection and blessing. The image of
St. Peter’s Basilica refers to St. Joseph as “Patron of the Universal Church.” The figures
of the laborers honor St. Joseph as “Patron of Workingmen,” a title given to him by
Pope Ven. Pius XII in 1955. Pope St. John Paul II referred to him as “Guardian of the
Redeemer” in an Apostolic Letter of the same title in 1989.
As we welcome you to our website, we invite you to join with us as we celebrate
this holy and just man, chosen by God to be the Guardian of the Holy Family, silent in
the gospels, but eloquent in obedience to the Father’s will and courage in protecting the
Holy Family – the fitting model for Jesus as he grew into manhood.
Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,
James P. Swiader
Reverend Msgr. James P. Swiader, Pastor
December 8, 2020 inaugurated the Year of Saint Joseph, below is the prayer promulgated by Pope Francis
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.