The faithful in Canada are invited to pray a Novena in honor of St. Joseph from 22 – 30 June, as part of initiatives to mark the Year of St. Joseph. The year marks the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX.
By Vatican News staff writer
CANADA — In keeping with celebrating the Year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis in December 2020, the Canadian faithful are invited to pray a Novena in honor of the guardian of the Holy Family.
The Novena begins on 22 June and ends on 30 June, and it is followed by an Act of Entrustment on 1 July which is also the annual commemoration of Canada Day.
During the nine days of prayer, the faithful are encouraged to pray for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic, for those who have died, for the family – domestic Church, for peace and unity in the country, for an end to racism and discrimination, for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life, for youth and the elderly, for frontline workers and the unemployed, and for the need, addicted and excluded.
To aid the faithful to participate in the prayer, the National Liturgy Office of the Canadian Bishops’ Conference (CCCB) has made available some catechetical resources, devotions, and prayers for adults and children, including the Novena prayers and the Act of Entrustment to St. Joseph.
