Oblates to observe the Feast of St. Joseph

LAFLIN — Every year at this time, not only do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but the local Oblate priests remind us of the Feast of St. Joseph, celebrated two days after St. Patrick’s on Wednesday, March 19.

In preparation for this Solemn Feast, the Oblates of St. Joseph host their annual novena preparation from Monday, March 10, through Tuesday, March 18, at their seminary chapel on Rt. 315, Laflin.

Masses will be held daily at noon and 7 p.m. novena devotions to St. Joseph follow. Preaching this year’s novena is Father Larry Toschi, O.S.J., a California native and expert in the study of St. Joseph on both a national and international level through his talks and writings.

Confessions and praying of the rosary will precede all Masses.

The novena will come to a solemn culmination on Wednesday, March 19, with a Mass by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton.

Concelebrating with the bishop will be the newly appointed provincial superior of the Holy Spouses (USA) Province, the Very Rev. John D. Shearer, and other Oblate priests.

There will also be a 7 p.m. Mass that will be celebrated in conjunction with the Greater Pittston Deanery’s “Road to the Resurrection” Lenten series. Local clergy will concelebrate this Mass with Fr. Toschi, serving as principal celebrant and homilist.

Fr. Paul McDonnell, O.S.J., a Greater Pittston native and rector of the local Oblate religious community, invites the local faithful to this year’s annual novena and feast honoring the Patron of the Universal Church.

“As we have just begun our Lenten journey,” Fr. Paul said, “We have an opportunity to grow in our personal discipleship with the Lord through the inspiring example of St. Joseph who embraced every obstacle and challenge in his life with faith and trust in God as he guided and protected the Child Jesus and His mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

For information concerning the upcoming spiritual events, contact the seminary office at 570- 654-7542 or by email osjseminary@comcast.net.