The National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City, Cebu is inviting the faithful to join online the 9-day preparatory consecration to St. Joseph in preparation for the National Consecration of the Philippines to Saint Joseph on May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Church officials will give their reflections on the life and works of the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus from April 22 to April 30 at 5 p.m. The faithful may join the event through the Facebook page of The National Shrine of St. Joseph.
The reflections will be based on the last nine topics of the book Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father by Fr. Donald H. Calloway, MIC.
Church leaders who will share their reflections include: Day 1: (Thursday – April 22) St. Joseph, Glory of Domestic Life by Manila Archdiocese Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo; Day 2: (Friday – April 23) St. Joseph, Guardian of Virgins by Malolos Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo; Day 3: (Saturday – April 24) St. Joseph, Pillar of Families by Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto S. Uy; Day 4: (Sunday – April 25) St. Joseph, Comfort of the Afflicted by Palo Bishop John F. Du; Day 5: (Monday – April 26) St. Joseph, Hope of the Sick by Dumaguete Bishop Julito B. Cortes; Day 6: (Tuesday – April 27) St. Joseph, Patron of the Dying by Maasin Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas; Day 7: (Wednesday – April 28) St. Joseph, Terror of Demons by Talibon Bishop Daniel Y. Parcon; Day 8: (Thursday – April 29) St. Joseph, Protector of the Holy Church by Cotabato Archbishop Emeritus Orlando B. Cardinal Quevedo; and Day 9: (Friday – April 30) He Made Him the Lord of His Household and Prince Over All His Possessions by Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Midyphil B. Billones.
The National Day of Consecration to Saint Joseph will be held at the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City, Cebu on May 1. On that day, the Catholic Conference of the Philippines will also launch the Men of Saint Joseph, who will oversee the year-long observance of the Year of Saint Joseph.
Pope Francis declared Dec. 8, 2020 to Dec. 8, 2021 as the Year of St. Joseph in celebration of the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s declaration as the Patron of the Universal Church.