MANGALURU, DEC 12: Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore concluded the Year of Joseph at the diocesan level during the solemn celebration of the annual feast of Our Lady of Pompei Shrine, Urwa held on Sunday, December 12, 2021 here in the city.
At the end of mass and Eucharistic Adoration, the bishop announced the closing of the Year of Joseph by honouring the statue of Joseph with a garland and lead a prayer in honour of St Joseph
The Year of Joseph, announced by Pope Francis on the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pius IX declaring St Joseph as Patron of the Catholic Church on the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, Joseph’s spouse on December 08, 2020; was intended to popularise the devotion of St Joseph.
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha in his message during the closing ceremony of the Year of St Joseph said, “The Year of St Joseph has ended, but we cannot delete St Joseph from our day-to-day life, because he is the patron of our diocese. He inspires and guides us to lead a virtuous and righteous life.”
In his festal homily, Very Rev. Fr Stany Periera, parish priest of Bela and former parish priest of Urwa said, “We should be happy always; there is an inclination in all of us to intend good to everyone around us.”
Thousands of people witnessed the festive celebration with devotion and active participation.
