Many Catholics consider the Wednesday following the feasts of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary -- that is, today -- as a perfect day to contemplate the Most Chaste Heart of Joseph.
While devotion to the "Three Hearts" is ancient, it has become particularly popular in recent years thanks to numberless artistic creations that present the Hearts of the Holy Family all together.
And Wednesdays have long been associated with St. Joseph, so much so that during his holy year, a special indulgence was available each Wednesday.
Loving with a chaste Heart
Pope Francis, a great devotee of St. Joseph, brought the Church to share even more in love for this most holy saint.
Among his many writings on St. Joseph is one unique reflection on Joseph's chaste heart, from his letter Patris Corde:
Being a father entails introducing children to life and reality. Not holding them back, being overprotective or possessive, but rather making them capable of deciding for themselves, enjoying freedom and exploring new possibilities.
Perhaps for this reason, Joseph is traditionally called a “most chaste” father. That title is not simply a sign of affection, but the summation of an attitude that is the opposite of possessiveness. Chastity is freedom from possessiveness in every sphere of one’s life. Only when love is chaste, is it truly love. A possessive love ultimately becomes dangerous: it imprisons, constricts and makes for misery.
God himself loved humanity with a chaste love; he left us free even to go astray and set ourselves against him. The logic of love is always the logic of freedom, and Joseph knew how to love with extraordinary freedom. He never made himself the centre of things. He did not think of himself, but focused instead on the lives of Mary and Jesus.
So on this Wednesday of the "Holy Family Hearts Week," let us draw especially close to St. Joseph, entrusting him with all of our needs, large and small.
Consider starting the day with this brief prayer from another pope who loved St. Joseph:
