2021: The Year of St. Joseph (December 8, 2020 - December 8, 2021)
In 1870, Pope Blessed Pius IX (reigned 1846-1878) declared St. Joseph, foster-father of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the Patron of the Universal Church.
2020 marked the 150th anniversary of the saintly Pontiff's decree. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the saintly Pontiff's decree, 2021 is the Year of St. Joseph.
The Apostolic Penitentiary also issued a decree granting special indulgences "to perpetuate the entrustment of the whole Church to the powerful patronage of the Custodian of the Virgin."
During this period, the faithful will have the opportunity to commit themselves "with prayer and good works, to obtain, with the help of St. Joseph, head of the heavenly Family of Nazareth, comfort and relief from the serious human and social tribulations that besiege the contemporary world today."
Conditions for the plenary indulgence during the Year of St. Joseph:
A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful under the usual conditions which include:
1. Free of attachment to sin on the day of indulgence;
2. Offer a prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father on the day of your indulgence;
3. Receive Holy Communion on the day of the indulgence;
4. Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation within 20 days (before or after) of the day of indulgence.
During the Year of St. Joseph, the above conditions need to be done in addition to one of the following actions:
1. Meditate for at least 30 minutes on the Lord's Prayer, or be a part of a spiritual retreat of at least one day that includes a meditation on St. Joseph;
2. Perform an act of corporal or spiritual work of mercy;
3. Pray the Holy Rosary in families and between engaged couples to, “recreate the same atmosphere of intimate communion, love and prayer that was in the Holy Family;”
4. Through prayer, entrust the activities and work of the day to St. Joseph, such that all who are looking for work find it, and such that all have dignified work;
5. Recite the Litany of St. Joseph for the persecuted Church and for the relief of all Christians who suffer any form of persecution;
6. Recite any legitimately approved prayer or act of piety in honor of St. Joseph, especially on the Feasts of St. Joseph, March 19th or May 1st, or on the 19th of every month, or on every Wednesday, the day dedicated to St. Joseph.
During this year, one plenary indulgence per day may be granted either for oneself or for any deceased soul. A plenary indulgence may not be requested for another living person.
