The faith community of

Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph

Old Mission San José

Dear Beloved People of Faith,

May St. Joseph intercede for you and your families, that you may have the great peace and joy of knowing Christ.

St. Joseph knows well the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. He held Jesus in his arms. He spent years in His presence. He watched and adored Jesus constantly both as His guardian and disciple. St. Joseph appreciates the mysteries of God’s incarnation and Mary’s virginal motherhood. In other words, St. Joseph is worthy of our devotion and admiration. He can be our teacher in the schools of faith and family. Together with Mary, He can bring us closer to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.  

For this reason, Bishop Michael C. Barber, S.J., has designated the Mission Church as the Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph, effective March 19, 2024.

This is a historic moment that marks a new era of evangelization and renewal. What is the significance of being named a shrine? 

Mission San José has always been a sacred place of pilgrimage, devotion, and spiritual renewal. While many come to the Mission for its history, we cherish it as a site of special grace. This is a holy place where the faithful come to seek spiritual guidance, healing, and closeness to God. The spiritual significance and relevance of Mission San José lie in:
 
1. Connection to St. Joseph: The Mission is dedicated to and named after St. Joseph, the protector of the Universal Church. It is under his protection that the Mission will continue to carry forward the torch of faith.
2. Sacred Ground: The Mission Church and grounds are set apart as holy ground, creating an atmosphere of reverence, peace, and contemplation, which foster a deep sense of prayer and devotion to God and to St. Joseph.
3. Healing and Intercession: Many Catholic shrines are associated with miraculous healings, answered prayers, and the intercession of the saints, offering hope and solace to pilgrims seeking spiritual and physical healing. This shrine will serve as a place of healing and peace for all who journey here.
4. Evangelization: Mission San José was born out of the Lord’s great Commission to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The early missionaries did not come to build the Mission for its own sake, but for the Glory of God and the salvation of souls. The Mission is a mission only if it continues to serve as a powerful and living symbol of the Catholic faith, drawing people to the Gospel message and inspiring evangelization.
5. Community Building: This shrine will unite the faithful across cultures, languages, and borders, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity in the global Catholic family.
6. Encounter with the Divine Lord: This shrine will continue to provide a space for pilgrims, Christians, and others to experience a deeper connection with God, encountering His love, mercy, and presence in a unique and transformative way.
 

Overall, the Diocesan Shrine of St. Joseph at Mission San José is a sacred site where the divine and human intersect, offering a profound spiritual experience that nourishes souls and inspires the faithful. 

It is a great honor to celebrate this historic moment with you. May St. Joseph pray for us all.   
 
Father AnthonySincerely yours in Christ,
Father Anthony Huong Le, Pastor  
St. Joseph Catholic Church/Mission San José