Canadian Saints & Blesseds

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Saint Joseph, Patron of Canada

set-square-and-flowers.png In these times that threaten to be difficult, Canadians perhaps need to be reminded that St. Joseph is the patron saint of our country, as well as patron of the universal Church, patron of a happy death, and patron of workers.

Since before Canada was founded, St. Joseph was patron of this vast land. In fact, from the very start of New France, St. Joseph was invoked as a guardian and protector. On March 19, 1624, Father Joseph Le Caron, one of Canada’s first missionaries, wrote that he had been chosen the “Patron of New France.”

Ever since, Canada has had a central role in promoting devotion to him. In 1911, Pius X approved a motion by the First Plenary Council of Quebec to include his name in the Divine Praises. In 1923, at the request of Bishop Émile Grouard, OMI, of Athabasca, Benedict XV mandated it for the whole Church.

Pope St. John Paul II, in his 1989 document Redemptoris Custos – “On the Person and Mission of Saint Joseph in the Life of Christ and of the Church” – stressed that as Mary’s spouse, Joseph “shared” in God’s Incarnation as “no other human” did except her.

At St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal on Sept. 11, 1984, John Paul II noted, “From the very beginning, your founders sought the protection of the Holy Family and particularly of Saint Joseph.”

And in a prayer to Canada’s patron saint, he said St. Joseph gave Jesus “legal paternity in the line of David.”

That is why Matthew and Luke list the generations in Jesus’ ancestry “according to the genealogy of Joseph.” Joseph was truly a father to Jesus.

Prayer to Saint Joseph, Patron of Canada

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Read by Pope St. John Paul II at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal in 1984

set-square-and-flowers.png Saint Joseph: with you, for you, we bless the Lord. He chose you among all men to be the chaste spouse of Mary, the one who would remain at the threshold of the mystery of her divine maternity, and who, after her, would accept it in faith as the work of the Holy Spirit.

You gave to Jesus legal paternity in the line of David. You constantly watched over the Mother and the Child with an affectionate concern, in order to protect their lives and to allow them to accomplish their destiny.

The Saviour Jesus deigned to submit himself to you, as to a father, throughout his childhood and adolescence, and to receive from you an apprenticeship in human life, while you shared his life in the adoration of his mystery.

You remain at his side. Continue to protect the whole Church, the family born of the salvation of Jesus.

Protect especially the people of Canada, who have placed themselves under your patronage. Help them to come closer to the mystery of Christ in that attitude of faith, submission, and love that was your own.

See the spiritual and material needs of all those who beg your intercession, particularly families and those who are poor, in every sense; through you, they are certain to find Mary’s maternal face and the hand of Jesus to assist them. Amen.

Pope Leo Xlll’s Prayer to Saint Joseph

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To be Said after the Rosary.

set-square-and-flowers.png This prayer to Saint Joseph was composed by Pope Leo XIII and was promulgated in his 1889 encyclical, Quamquam Pluries. This is the same pope who composed the well-known prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (“defend us in battle…”).

Pope Leo XIII asked that this prayer to St. Joseph be added to the end of the Rosary, especially during the month of October, which is dedicated to the Rosary. Although it’s unfamiliar to us today, now is the time to spread it and make it very well known.

Pope Leo XIII served as pope from 1878 to 1903. During his pontificate he greatly influenced the Church’s understanding of Mariology and he promoted both the Rosary and the wearing of the scapular. He wrote about the Rosary more than any other pope — 11 papal encyclicals — and for this reason he is known as the “Rosary Pope”. He approved two new Marian scapulars and was the first pope to fully embrace the concept of Mary as Mediatrix. He approved the Scapular of St. Joseph in 1893.

Prayer to St. Joseph after the Rosary

set-square-and-flowers.png To you, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction. And having implored the help of your thrice-holy Spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly beg you to take us also under your protection.

By that charity with which you were united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love with which you cherished the Child Jesus, we beseech you and we humbly pray that you will look down graciously upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His Blood, and will help us in our need by your power and strength.

Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. As you once rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under your patronage, that, following your example and strengthened by your help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.

Saint John the Baptist

PATRON SAINT OF FRENCH CANADIANS

Pope Pius X officially proclaimed Saint John the Baptist as the special patron saint of French Canadians in 1908. His feast day on June 24, commonly known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, is an essential cultural milestone celebrated by Francophones across Canada.

History and Evolution

  • French Roots: Settlers brought the midsummer tradition from France to New France in the 17th century, where it merged with ancient summer solstice bonfires.
  • Shift to Patriotism: In 1834, journalist Ludger Duvernay founded the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste in Montreal. Inspired by St. Patrick's Day celebrations, he re-imagined the feast day as a civic vehicle to preserve French Canadian culture, language, and rights under British rule.
  • Official Papal Status: Pope Pius X codified his status as the official patron saint during the tercentenary of Quebec City in 1908.

Modern Celebrations

Today, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day has evolved from a strictly Catholic holy day into a broader, secular celebration of Francophone pride and identity.

  • La Fête nationale du Québec: In 1977, the province of Quebec officially designated June 24 as its statutory National Holiday.
  • Francophones Nationwide: Across the rest of Canada, Franco-Ontarians, Acadians, and other French-speaking communities still observe the day to celebrate their heritage through community picnics, parades, massive night-time bonfires, and fireworks.

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist, Patron of French Canadians

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O Saint John the Baptist, illustrious forerunner of the Messiah, you whom the Saviour proclaimed the greatest among the children of men, and whom Our Holy Father Pope Pius X gave to French Canadians as our special patron; you have marvelously prepared, by your austere, penitent, and angelic life, the ways for the Reign of the Redeeming Lamb.

We beseech you to obtain for us the grace to walk in your footsteps, to remain deeply rooted in our holy faith, and to preserve the rich heritage of our language, culture, and traditions.

Protect our families, guard our communities, and intercede before the Almighty that we may always bear courageous witness to the Truth of the Gospel. Teach us your profound humility so that Christ may increase in our lives while we decrease.

Guide us through the wilderness of this world into the eternal peace of the Kingdom of God.

… Saint John the Baptist, patron of French Canadians, pray for us …