Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David led the national consecration of Filipino families to St. Joseph on Wednesday, Dec. 8.
Held at the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City, the event also marked the culmination of the observance of the Year of St. Joseph.
"May through his intercession, we all grow in love like the Holy Family of Nazareth," said David.
"We choose you this day to be our father, our guardian and our protector. God, Our Father, has allowed us to celebrate this year dedicated to your honor and also the joyful 500th anniversary of Christianity in our land. With grateful hearts we recognize you as a great gift of God to us to be our companion, teacher, model and protector in this Jubilee year," he added.
During the occasion, the Men of St. Joseph- Philippines (MOSJ-P) was also launched.
The launching of (MOSJ-P) was led by Fr. Jayson Endaya, the Provincial Superior of the Oblates of St. Joseph Philippine Province.
The association of Catholic men was formed to spread the devotion to St. Joseph. Its institution is also the Philippine Church’s response to Pope Francis’ apostolic letter “Patris Corde”, encouraging the faithful to reflect upon the role of Jesus’ foster father “in caring and loving our Savior with the Father’s heart."
Among its objectives include promoting the devotion to St. Joseph and imitating his virtues and to provide opportunities which foster growth in human character, holiness and Christian fatherhood in the family and in the community, following the qualities of St. Joseph.
The movement also seeks to sanctify work and promote the dignity of labor in society and to serve the needs of the Church and society through corporal and spiritual works of mercy.