I m a real fan girl when it comes to Church holy years. I loved Pope John Paul II s three trinitarian years leading up to the new millennium, Pope Benedict XVI s Year of Faith, and Pope Francis Year of Mercy. Years like these provide an opportunity to focus our attention on one aspect of our faith in a way that generally doesn t just happen. It s almost like being on a year-long retreat with a billion other believers.
Usually, a holy year is announced well in advance and with a good deal of fanfare and preparation. Materials are made available: a motto is chosen, a logo is designed, a variety of diocesan events are planned, and banners are hung over parish doors. None of that accompanied the announcement of the Year of St. Joseph, commemorating the 150th anniversary of his designation as Patron of the Universal Church. Instead, the Holy Father surprised us all with a new Apostolic Letter this week, Patris corde ( With a Father s Heart ), proclaiming a special year that begins, no