The Pious Union of the Transit of Saint Joseph is an association of Christian faithful who pray for the dying and help them spiritually with good works.
The soul and heart of Blessed Luigi Guanella
Luigi Guanella, in the years 1905-1908, passing through the Quartiere Trionfale, to go to the agricultural colony of San Giuseppe, opened by him in Monte Mario, thought of building a church that would be a center of faith and moral elevation in that popular district, then so poor. He built a large church dedicated to the Transit of San Giuseppe, husband of the Virgin Mary and patron of families and workers.
Saint Joseph, after a life of work and sacrifice dedicated to the Holy Family, died comforted by Jesus and Mary: his death was truly blessed, which consecrated him as the merciful Patron of the dying. In many churches there is an altar or a painting dedicated to the pious Transit of Saint Joseph. Since Don Guanella was concerned with the physical suffering of the handicapped, orphans and the elderly, he also wanted to think of the dying and dedicated the new church to the Transit of Saint Joseph, to keep the faithful thinking and praying for the dying every day.
A gesture of charity for those taking the final step in life
The work that expresses the concern of our holy Founder for the salvation of souls is therefore the Pious Union of the Transit of St. Joseph for the salvation of the dying. The addition is significant "for the salvation of the dying": this is a clarification that says a lot!
Now, among all the moments of life, that of agony decides eternal salvation: if man dies in the friendship of God, everything is gained forever; if instead, in that supreme moment, he does not want peace with God, everything is lost forever. Divine Mercy is certainly infinite and infinite are the merits of Christ the Savior, but the salvation of the soul is also the fruit of man's free choice and then there is ample room for prayer. Don Guanella, considering that in the world every day myriads of people die, and knowing the power of prayer before the Heart of God, thought of organizing a holy "crusade" of prayers by the faithful to implore from him, through the intercession of St. Joseph, patron of the dying, the salvation of souls in danger. Thus, encouraged by Pope Saint Pius X, he gave life to the Pious Union of the Transit of Saint Joseph, approved by Decree of Cardinal Pietro Respighi on 17 February 1913 and later elevated by Pius X to the dignity of Primary, with the faculty to erect branches in other nations and churches in the world (Apostolic Brief of 12 February 1914).
From that year 1914 there was a great diffusion of this Work of spiritual charity, because the thought of helping the dying with prayer was felt by the Christian people, who were living the bloody drama of the First World War. But it is a work that maintains its relevance in every age.