The Holy See on June 19, 2013, has published the Decree “Paternas vices” (“Fatherly care”), Prot. N. 215/11/L, by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, dated May 1, 2013, and promulgated by the authority of Pope Francis, which mandates the inclusion of Saint Joseph in Eucharistic Prayers II, III and IV for celebrations of the Mass according to the Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

The Decree stipulates that the “name of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is henceforth to be added to Eucharistic Prayers II, III and IV, as they appear in the third typical edition of the Roman Missal, after the name of the Virgin Mary….”

The Congregation has provided the translations to be used in the more widespread Western languages, including English and French. The wording to be used in English for Eucharistic Prayers II, III and IV is “with blessed Joseph, her Spouse….” The wording to be used in French for Eucharistic Prayers II and III is “avec saint Joseph, son époux …”; and for Eucharistic Prayer IV, “auprès de saint Joseph, son époux….”

The Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature to Canada has informed the General Secretary of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops that this Decree of the Holy See is effective immediately. This information has also been conveyed to the Bishops of Canada who are duly informing their respective dioceses.

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
June 19, 2013