Pope Francis turns to God, recalling that He entrusted to Joseph’s protection what He held most precious … Many popes have referred to the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt in reference to the Church’s care for refugees, immigrants, and all displaced people.
For example, Pope Pius XII in 1952, wrote:
The émigré Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, living in exile in Egypt to escape the fury of an evil king, are, for all times and all places, the models and protectors of every migrant, alien and refugee of whatever kind who, whether compelled by fear of persecution or by want, is forced to leave his native land, his beloved parents and relatives, his close friends, and to seek a foreign soil.
In his Message for the 2020 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis concluded with a prayer to the Father, inspired by the example of St. Joseph’s life.
In this Year of St. Joseph, especially as so many face economic uncertainty, it is a beautiful prayer to consider:
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I would like to conclude with a prayer suggested by the example of St. Joseph at the time he was forced to flee to Egypt to save the child Jesus.
Father, you entrusted to Saint Joseph what you held most precious: the child Jesus and his Mother, in order to protect them from the dangers and threats of the wicked.
Grant that we may experience his protection and help. May he, who shared in the sufferings of those who flee from the hatred of the powerful, console and protect all our brothers and sisters driven by war, poverty and necessity to leave their homes and their lands to set out as refugees for safer places.
Help them, through the intercession of St. Joseph, to find the strength to persevere, give them comfort in sorrows and courage amid their trials.
Grant to those who welcome them some of the tender love of this just and wise father, who loved Jesus as a true son and sustained Mary at every step of the way.
May he, who earned his bread by the work of his hands, watch over those who have seen everything in life taken away and obtain for them the dignity of a job and the serenity of a home.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, whom St. Joseph saved by fleeing to Egypt, and trusting in the intercession of the Virgin Mary, whom he loved as a faithful husband in accordance with your will. Amen.
Rome, St. John Lateran, May 13, 2020, Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima.
Read more:
Plenary indulgence offered each Wednesday in this Year of St. Joseph
