Corpus Christi parish celebrates Feast Day of St. Joseph with novena

In observance of its patron St., St. Joseph Church in Corpus Christi held a novena from Wednesday, March 11, through Thursday, March 19, that concluded with a special Mass and celebration for the Feast Day of St. Joseph. Every evening, parishioners recited the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a prayer to St. Joseph and celebrated Mass honoring St. Joseph with a different theme.

Day 1 was for St Joseph Most Just; day 2 - St Joseph Most Prudent; day 3 - St Joseph Most Loving Husband; day 4 - St Joseph Most Strong; day 5 - St Joseph Most Obedient; day 6 - St Joseph Most Faithful; day 7 - St Joseph Pillar of Families; day 8 - St Joseph Patron of the Dying; and day 9 - St Joseph Terror of Demons.

On the Feast day of St. Joseph, parishioners from around the diocese brought their personal religious pictures and statues to place at the altar all through Mass and receive a special blessing. All husbands and fathers in attendance were then called up for a blessing and recited the St. Joseph Resolution. Each was presented with a medal of St. Joseph.

Mass was celebrated by Father Rogel “Ogie” B. Rosalinas, SOLT, pastor of St. Joseph in Corpus Christi; Father Al Abainza, SOLT, parochial vicar at the parish; Father John McHugh, SOLT, one of the founding priests of SOLT; Father Edgar Barrameda, SOLT, pastor of Christ the King; Father Gerard J. Sheehan, SOLT, St. John Nepomucene in Robstown; and Father Dan Estes, SOLT, Our Lady of Corpus Christi, General Servant of the Laity. Assisting on the altar were Brother Martin McGough, SOLT, St. Joseph Corpus Christi; Brother Kyle Hoesley, SOLT; Deacon Rey Rojas, St. Joseph Corpus Christi; and Deacon J.C. Ayala, also from St. Joseph.

The celebration continued in the parish hall with a large potluck dinner.

Photos by Adel Rivera, South Texas Catholic