CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis consecrated the Diocese of Charlotte to St. Joseph on March 19, the saint’s solemnity.
The bishop’s act of consecration coincides with the diocese’s celebration of the Year of St. Joseph in 2020 and, in particular, seeks St. Joseph’s protection over the whole diocese during the current COVID-19 pandemic just as he once protected Jesus and Mary.
During a private prayer service in his chapel, Bishop Jugis entrusted the care of the diocese to St. Joseph using this prayer:
O Great Patron and Protector of Holy Mother Church, Saint Joseph!
You to whom were entrusted Blessed Mary and Our Lord Jesus Christ.
You who guided and guarded the Holy Family into Egypt and throughout life in Nazareth.
You who were comforted and supported in your own departure from this earth.
Today, I consecrate and entrust the Diocese of Charlotte
I do so confidently asking that your hand will protect us and lead us.
I do so pleading that you beseech your foster son to stay the current epidemic which threatens us.
I do so entreating that you comfort and support those who may succumb to this illness.
I promise to continue to promote a renewed devotion to you among the People of the Diocese
And will give you a place of honor in every parish herein.
And I make this promise entrusting it to the power of Our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
— Catholic News Herald