The Inaugural Mass of the Pontificate for Pope Francis took place on March 19, Saint Joseph's Day. Joseph is one of Pope Francis' most beloved saints. He explained why during his trip to the Philippines in January.

POPE FRANCIS
January 16, 2015 (Philippines)
"I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!”
Pope Francis advised people to leave a "note" under the image of the saint for help whenever they have a problem.

"Joseph’s rest revealed God’s will to him. In this moment of rest in the Lord, as we pause from our many daily obligations and activities, God is also speaking to us.”
St. Joseph is described in the Gospel as a discreet but determined man, virtues that Pope Francis values.

"But like Saint Joseph, once we have heard God’s voice, we must rise from our slumber; we must get up and act.”

Pope Francis said on that occasion that faith does not distance us from the world. On the contrary, it brings us closer. For that reason, St. Joseph is a model father for the Christian family. He overcame the difficulties of life because he rested with God.