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Pope Francis has been on our minds and hearts in recent weeks during his illness and hospitalisation. In his twelve years as pope Francis has often told us that St. Joseph, whose feast we celebrate today, is one of his favourite saints.

Six weeks after he was elected pope in 2013 he made a change to the text of the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass: after the naming of the “Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God” we now (at the pope’s insistence) include “blessed Joseph, her Spouse”.

Five years ago to mark the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph being named as patron of the Church Francis wrote an inspiring letter titled “With a Father’s Heart” commenting “I would like to share some personal reflections on St. Joseph, this extraordinary figure, so close to our own human experience.”

You might appreciate reading the letter Patris Corde (With a Father’s Heart) in your own reflective time at this link.

It is the tenderness of Pope Francis’ reflections that moved me most.  If I wasn’t a weak sinner I’m not sure the letter would make much sense to me. But the way Francis presents the life and witness of Joseph, father of Jesus and spouse of Mary, inspires me to “go to Joseph” as a teacher of and witness to mature faith.

In one of my many favourite bits from the letter Francis comments that we are usually too tough on ourselves. He reflects that our harsh condemnation of our personal sin and weakness, while seeming like a virtue-centred motivation for overcoming sin and being more disciplined in our penance, can actually be the work of the evil one.

Francis reminds us that often “the evil one makes us see and condemn our frailty, whereas the Spirit brings it to light with tender love. Tenderness is the best way to touch the frailty within us.”

The pope continues “Pointing fingers and judging others are frequently signs of an inability to accept our own weaknesses, our own frailty. Only tender love will save us.”

NB The image above is of the sculpture of Joseph and a young Jesus
in Los Angeles Catholic Cathedral.

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Send your date and time to add to the list, and just turn up at at one of the advertised gatherings, just one hour, focussing on where we are encountering Christ.

TODAY NEW PLYMOUTH
Wednesday 19 March 10.00am
Invitation from Joan
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road New Plymouth

WHANGANUI
Invitation from Kate
Thursday 7am St Mary’s church, Whanganui (every Thursday)

AUCKLAND NORTH SHORE
Thursday 20 March 10.30am
Invitation from Catherine
Columbus Coffee
219 Don McKinnon Drive (outside Westfield overlooking the lake) Albany

LOWER HUTT
Wed 26 March 10.30am
Invite from Catherine
Columbus Cafe in Mitre 10
25 Bouverie St, Petone.