Taking place at the largest Church dedicated to St. Joseph in North America – St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Canada – Paradisus Dei invites men to journey Into the Heart of St. Joseph. The two primary aspects of the event, pilgrimage and retreat, both seek insight into the question, “what do you find in the heart of St. Joseph?”

The pilgrimage offers participants many opportunities, beginning with the beauty, serenity and spirituality of St. Joseph’s Oratory itself. The Oratory continues the heritage of welcome established by its founder, Saint Brother Andre. Pilgrims may take advantage of prayer, healing and peace in the spirit of compassion. Fr. Peter Towsley, the rector for this retreat, calls St. Joseph’s Oratory his favorite pilgrimage site next to the Holy Land and Rome. Participants will also visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and Mary Queen of the Word Cathedral while in Montreal.

It is fitting for the participants to reflect on “what do you find in the heart of St. Joseph?” Not only has St. Joseph been silently behind everything in TMIY, he is also considered the Guardian of the Holy Family and Patron of our Church. His silent, steady example is a beacon of light and hope for families under attack in our modern world, and especially the men called to lead those families. What an incredible experience for men to consider St. Joseph’s example for families and the Church, both of which are in need of protection.

Out of a deep desire to help connect men to the heart of St. Joseph, and stemming from his own special devotion to this great saint, Mark Hartfiel crafted an experience worth the time and attention of TMIY men. These men clearly valued the opportunity, as it booked to capacity just a short time after its announcement. The hope is that this will become an annual event, allowing many more to participate directly in the future.

St. Joseph is the model for what it means to be a man. And the Into the Heart of St. Joseph event is just one more way Paradisus Dei is helping families discover the superabundance of God.