Michael Dooley

"In his quiet, fatherly way, Joseph intercedes for us in this southern outpost of the Church. He watches over the family of God’s people much like he watched over Jesus as he learned to walk, as he worked at a trade, and as he eventually left home to carry out his mission. Joseph shows us that holiness is found in a very normal and human way, carrying out the day-to-day responsibilities of family life, and being a caring citizen in the community. I am sure that this year will bring out further reflections on how St Joseph can show us how to live. He shows us something important about the dignity and importance of work, he reminds us of the significance of good fathering, and he teaches us to place our trust in God in the midst of problems and anxieties. St Joseph is certainly a very relevant and helpful saint for the times that we live in."