Pope Francis proclaimed 2021 the Year of St Joseph on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, making 150 years since Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the patron of the universal Church.
St. Joseph is the patron saint of our parish which will be 150 year next year. Isn’t the plan of God amazing? To raise awareness and devotion to St. Joseph, parish has decided to introduce one saint each month named Joseph. There will be two articles, one is to introduce the saint and the other a reflection about them. The first one is St. Joseph Moscatti.
Born in Benevento, Italy, on 25 July 1880, St. Joseph Moscati was the seventh of nine children of devout Catholic parents. His father was a judge and, when he was four-years-old, the family moved to Naples. Joseph inherited his father’s intellect and piety.
He studied with a passion and graduated from medical school at the University of Naples at the tender age of 23. His devotion to studying medicine rather than law was a result of the tragedy of his brother’s sustaining an untreatable head trauma from falling off his horse.
As he matured he found that although there is a limit to the effectiveness of human remedies the consoling power of religion gave him strength. He was so skillful at diagnosing patients that colleagues believed God enlightened him. His great love for Jesus Christ meant he cared for his patients not only physically but also spiritually.
He was known for his charity work and often donated his medical care to the poor and the clergy. He often prayed for priests explaining that “they are easily forgotten by the living, since Christians often think that they do not need prayers.” He lived very simply and practiced voluntary poverty using the money he earned to buy medicine for the poor.
He prayed with and for his patients whilst encouraging them to go to confession, spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and receive Holy Communion before they underwent surgery. He brought those who had left the Church back to the faith and was a mentor and spiritual father to his students.
He was known for his charity work and often donated his medical care to the poor and the clergy. He often prayed for priests explaining that “they are easily forgotten by the living, since Christians often think that they do not need prayers.” He lived very simply and practiced voluntary poverty using the money he earned to buy medicine for the poor.
He was a fervent devotee of the Blessed Mother and carried a rosary in his pocket as he sought help from Mary and Jesus when he had to make important decisions.
He died on the 12 April 1927 and is buried in Naples, Italy, in the Church of Gesu Nuovo. Three miracles attributed to his intercession were recognised by the Church. He was beatified on the 16November 1975 by Pope St. Paul VI and canonised on the 25 October 1987 by Pope St. John Paul II. His feast day is on the November 16.
In studying the life of Dr Moscati, see how his Catholic faith and practical charity united him with God. He was known to have said: “I’m just trying…The only thing that can cure you is Jesus. Always pray to Him because he is the source of all healing.” He treated thousands during his lifetime with the warmth of his humanity and unwavering faith.
Reflect:
Do you often pray for the sick and for the clergy who look after our spiritual health?
How can you help the sick in our community?
We invite you to practice charity every day and remember in every moment to make an offering of our actions to God, doing everything for love of Jesus Christ like St Joseph Moscati.
Vicky Crawford
Year of St, Joseph Preparation Committee
St. Joseph’s Church, Garden Road
