A movement of Catholic men formed to spread the devotion to St. Joseph will be officially launched in all parishes across the Philippines next month, reported CBCP News.

The bishops’ conference gave its blessing to launch on Dec. 8 the Men of St. Joseph- Philippines (MOSJ-P), an association of men “committed to Jesus and consecrated to St. Joseph”.

The institution of the lay association is the Philippine Church’s response to Pope Francis’ apostolic letter “Patris Corde”, encouraging the faithful to reflect upon the role of Jesus’ foster father “in caring and loving our Savior with the Father’s heart”.

Among its objectives include promoting the devotion to St. Joseph and imitating his virtues and to provide opportunities that foster growth in human character, holiness, and Christian fatherhood in the family and in the community, following the qualities of St. Joseph.

The movement also seeks to sanctify work and promote the dignity of labor in society and to serve the needs of the Church and society through corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

The priests of the Oblates of St. Joseph will serve as the propagator and spiritual guide of the new association.

The Ad-hoc Committee on the Year of St. Joseph said the movement is open to all Catholic men “who are willing to learn and commit themselves to practice the virtues of St. Joseph”.

“Any man of at least 18 years of age, a Catholic who is willing to learn and commit himself to practice the virtues of St. Joseph, may become a member of the association,” it said.

The launching will also coincide with the National Consecration of Families to St. Joseph and the closing of the Year of St. Joseph.

The Catholic Church in the Philippines will entrust families to St. Joseph on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said that consecrating the families to St. Joseph “is an act of entrustment to his fatherly care, protection, and guidance”.