The Italian Episcopal Conference, at this time of health emergency, has promoted a moment of prayer for the whole country on the Feast of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family. This evening at 21.00 the Italian bishops invited every family, all the faithful, and every religious community to pray the Mysteries of the Light of the Rosary at home, symbolically joining in prayer.

The following is the text of the video message that the Holy Father Francis sent on the occasion of the initiative of the CEI:

Video Message of the Holy Father

Dear brothers and sisters,

I join in the prayer that the Episcopal Conference wishes to promote, as a sign of unity for the whole country.

In this unprecedented situation, in which everything seems uncertain, let us help each other to remain steadfast in what really matters. This is an indication of the way forward which I find in so many letters from your pastors who, in sharing such a dramatic moment, seek to sustain your hope and your faith with their word.

The prayer of the Rosary is the prayer of the humble and of saints who, in its mysteries, with Mary contemplate the life of Jesus, the merciful face of the Father. And how much we all need to be truly consoled, to feel enveloped by His presence of love!

The truth of this experience is measured in our relationship with others, who at this moment happen to be our closest relatives: let us be close to one another, exercising charity, understanding, patience and forgiveness first.

By necessity our spaces may have shrunk to the walls of the house, but have a bigger heart, where the other can always find availability and acceptance.

This evening we pray united, entrusting ourselves to the intercession of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family, Guardian of all our families. The carpenter of Nazareth also knew precariousness and bitterness, worry for tomorrow; but he knew how to walk through the darkness of certain moments, always letting himself be guided without reserve by God’s will.

Protect, Holy Guardian, our country.

Enlighten those responsible for the common good, so that they may know - like you - how to take care of the people entrusted to their responsibility.

Give the intelligence of science to those who seek adequate means for the health and physical well-being of their brothers and sisters.

Support those who give themselves to those in need: volunteers, nurses, doctors, who are in the front line in treating the sick, even at the cost of their own safety.

Bless, Saint Joseph, the Church: starting with her ministers; make her a sign and instrument of your light and goodness.

Accompany, Saint Joseph, the families: with your prayerful silence, build harmony between parents and children, especially the little ones.

Preserve the elderly from loneliness: let no-one be left in the despair of abandonment and discouragement.

Comfort the most fragile, encourage those who falter, intercede for the poor.

With the Virgin Mother, beg the Lord to free the world from every form of pandemic.

Amen.