By Kristina Millare
Vatican City, Mar 19, 2025 / 14:45 pm
Hundreds of people in Rome gathered to celebrate the March 19 solemnity of St. Joseph at the Parish Basilica of St. Joseph al Trionfale.
The festivities kicked off on March 9 with a vigil Mass at the parish to mark the beginning of the novena leading up to the feast day dedicated to St. Joseph.
During the jubilee year, the relics of St. Joseph’s cloak and Our Lady’s veil were displayed at St. Joseph al Trionfale for public veneration from March 16–19.
It is believed that the relics of the parents of Jesus were hidden in the Basilica of Sant’Anastasia near the Circus Maximus for over 1,600 years before being displayed.
Joseph’s Parish in Rome marked the annual procession in honor of St. Joseph, the patron saint of the universal Church. The relics of St. Joseph’s cloak, brought to Rome by Jerome in the fourth century, are a significant part of the devotion to this beloved saint.
American visitor Gina Pribaz shared her personal connection to St. Joseph, recounting how she sought his intercession during a difficult pregnancy which resulted in her daughter being born on his feast day. For her, venerating the relic of St. Joseph’s cloak was a powerful experience that made her feel closer to the man who protected and guided the Holy Family.
The 30-day Holy Cloak prayer devotion, which includes the recitation of the Litany of St. Joseph, has gained popularity worldwide. Each day of the devotion represents a year in the 30 years of Jesus’ hidden life, symbolizing the protection and guidance offered by St. Joseph during that time.
The St. Joseph’s procession in Rome on March 19, 2025, was a beautiful display of faith and devotion, drawing participants from near and far to honor the humble carpenter who played a crucial role in the life of Jesus and Mary. The celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking St. Joseph’s intercession and protection for our families in today’s world.
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