Dear Salesian Family,

Pope Francis wrote an Apostolic letter, “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”) Pope recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph”.

Below is a prayer to the Holy Family. It was St. Joseph who took care of his little family. The family is one of the most powerful forces we can find in our world. For everyone, family means something different and yet it all comes down to a home, a place where I belong, where I feel safe. Family is where you know you are loved no matter what, you are seen as you are and no one can take that love away from you! Family is deep conversations, silly chats and jokes that make us laugh and enjoy each other. Family is where you can be yourself and know that you will be accepted even in challenging moments when you are down and when you are filled with joy. The bond among family members is special and priceless!

These days life has been stressful and chaotic and often times overwhelming. It is up to us to turn to God for support and strength. Through St. Joseph, patron of the family we can regain our perspective and treasure every moment we have together!

God bless,

Sr. Carmen, FMA

Prayer to the Holy Family

Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

in you we contemplate

the splendor of true love;

to you we turn with trust.

Holy Family of Nazareth,

grant that our families too

may be places of communion and prayer,

authentic schools of the Gospel

and small domestic churches.