My brothers and sisters, as we begin to celebrate this rite in praise of God on the occasion of the blessing of this beautiful new image of Saint Joseph for public veneration, we must be properly disposed and have a clear appreciation of the meaning of this celebration. When the Church blesses a picture or statue and presents it for public veneration by the faithful. it does so for the following reasons: that when we look at the representation of those who have followed Christ faithfully, we will be motivated to seek the city that is to come; that we will learn the way that will enable us most surely to attain complete union with Christ; that, as we struggle along with our earthly cares, we will be mindful of the saints, those friends and coheirs of Christ who are also our own brothers and sisters and our special benefactors; that we will remember how they love us, are near us, intercede ceaselessly for us, and are joined to us in a marvelous communion.