Holy Father points to St. Joseph as an example of fatherly sacrifice

Before a crowd of bishops, laity and leaders of other Christian faiths, Benedict XVI spoke on Wednesday evening at the Marie Reine des Apôtres Basilica, where he reminded the faithful to look to the example of St. Joseph and his “fatherhood in the daily tasks” of life.

At the basilica to celebrate Vespers or evening prayer, the Pope focused his remarks on the figure of St. Joseph, whose solemnity is March 19.

Explaining fatherhood, Benedict XVI reminded his audience, “To be a father means above all to be at the service of life and growth.” He further connected Saint Joseph’s “great devotion” and willingness to “experience persecution, exile and poverty” to his vocation as a father, with his only reward being in Jesus’ presence.

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