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Pope’s unique take on Christian vocation: ‘safeguarding’

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Kathleen N. Hattrup - published on 02/16/22
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To safeguard life, to safeguard human development, to safeguard the human mind, to safeguard the human heart, to safeguard human work. The Christian — we could say — is like St Joseph: he must safeguard.

Pope Francis wrapped up his series of catecheses on St. Joseph at the general audience of February 16, meditating on St. Joseph as "patron of the Church," and saying that this characteristic of Jesus' father is one that should apply to us all.

The treasure of the God-made-man and his mother is safeguarded by Joseph.

"And we too," said the Pope, citing Patris corde, ''We should always consider whether we ourselves are protecting Jesus and Mary, for they are also mysteriously entrusted to our own responsibility, care and safekeeping.'"

God trusted Joseph ...

"God trusted Joseph," said the Pope, and so did Mary, "who found in him the bridegroom who loved and respected her and always took care of her and the Child."

This Child identifies himself with all who are weak, the Holy Father noted.

Do we love the Church?

Drawing from this reflection, the Pope exhorted us to recognize all the "goodness and holiness that are present in the Church."

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