In a decree released today by the Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, the Holy See has announced that the name of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will be added to the Eucharistic Prayer II, III, and IV in the Roman Missal.
Regarding His virtuous example, the decree, which was signed by Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, prefect of the Congregation, stated that St. Joseph exercised paternal care over Jesus with grace. St. Joseph adhered “firmly to the mystery of God’s design of salvation in its very beginnings” as well as standing as “an exemplary model of the kindness and humility that the Christian faith raises to a great destiny,” the decree stated.
“Through these virtues, this Just man, caring most lovingly for the Mother of God and happily dedicating himself to the upbringing of Jesus Christ, was placed as guardian over God the Father’s most precious treasures. Therefore he has been the subject of assiduous devotion on the part of the People of God throughout the centuries, as the support of that mystical body, which is the Church.”
St. Joseph, who is honored as the Patron of the universal Church, has been shown great devotion and honor, especially by the Popes in recent years. During the Second Vatican Council, Blessed Pope John XXIII decreed that St. Joseph’s name be added to the Roman Canon. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI as well as Pope Francis have also confirmed the devotion to the foster father of Christ.
“In this, the Pontiffs had before their eyes the full communion of the Saints who, once pilgrims in this world, now lead us to Christ and unite us with him,” the decree stated.
The decree stated that the new formulas for the addition of St. Joseph in the Eucharistic prayers would follow after the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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On ZENIT’s web page:
For the full text of the decree, go to: http://www.zenit.org/en/articles/congregation-of-divine-worship-s-decree-on-addition-of-st-joseph-s-name-to-the-eucharistic-prayer
