Solemn Inauguration of the Year of St. Joseph in Bengaluru Archdiocese

Bangalore, 6 January 2021:Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore inaugurated the Year of St. Joseph – Father of the Poor symbolically lighting the lamp during the solemn Eucharistic celebration held on Wednesday evening at St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Bangalore.
The Holy Father Pope Francis has declared the year 2021 as the year of St. Joseph, commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church. In this background, it’s noteworthy to recall that the Archdiocese had taken 2020 as the year of the poor.

Speaking in his homily, Archbishop depicted two salient aspects St. Joseph portrayed during his life. He elucidated on how St. Joseph was responsibly taking care of the holy family. The prelate also noted that it was when St. Joseph slept that God manifested his marvellous works for St. Joseph as well as for humanity.

“St. Joseph who took loving care of Mother Mary and Infant Jesus is truly an inspiration for all of us today. I see three reasons why Holy Father Pope Francis declared the year 2021 as the year of St. Joseph. First of all, St. Joseph is the father of humanity. Secondly, he is the father of the Church, and thirdly, he is the father of the family.”

“We have seen the plight of the poor during the unprecedented pandemic lockdown. There is no better example like St. Joseph to draw inspiration from in these troubled times to serve our society and the poor.” He added.
Many priests, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese took part in the Holy Eucharist and prayed in unison for various intentions.