Ite ad Ioseph

This beautiful painting shows St. Joseph (together with the Holy Family) as Patron of the Church. The lily symbolizes purity. The banner “Ite ad Ioseph” is an invitation to all to “Go to Joseph” (Genesis 41:55), asking his intercessory prayer. The painting is at the St. Joseph side altar of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Rome (Via Marsala outside Termini Station) administered by the Salesians. Pope Pius IX, who on December 8, 1870, proclaimed St. Joseph patron of the Universal Church, had purchased the land for a church to be constructed in honor of St. Joseph. Although the church was later dedicated instead to the Sacred Heart, the altar and painting of St. Joseph are most precious.