SW News: Animated by love and devotion to St Joseph, a movement of Catholic men will bring the devotion to the foster father of Jesus to all parishes in the Philippines. The episcopal conference of the nation has given its blessing to the new Men of St Joseph-Philippines (MOSJ-P) movement that will officially be launched on December 8.

The lay apostolate has been formed as a faithful response to the appeal of Pope Francis to reflect on the role of St Joseph in caring and loving the Lord with the heart of a father. His Holiness had also issued an apostolic letter entitled Patris Corde inviting believers to seek the protection of St Joseph.

Apart from promoting devotion to the protector of the Universal Church, members of MOSJ-P will imitate his virtues and try to be model Christian fathers in the family as well as in the community. They will also strive to sanctify work and encourage the dignity of labor apart from undertaking works of charity.
The lay apostolate will be spiritually led by priests of the Oblates of St Joseph congregation. According to the ad-hoc committee on the Year of St Joseph, any layman who is a practising Catholic and is willing to learn about the virtues of St Joseph can join the movement.

On the same day when the movement is officially launched, the Church in the country will consecrate families to St Joseph, marking the end of the special year dedicated to him.