St. Joseph

FEAST DAY OF ST. JOSEPH: March 19 

There is little question that St. Joseph is greatly admired in the Catholic Church.  It's a matter of debate, however, whether the breadwinner of the Holy Family gets the rating he deserves among popular saints.  Compare him with Francis of Assisi, Anthony of Padua or Teresa of the Child Jesus -- to name but a few -- and the conclusion is obvious.

 Yet, which of the saints, aside from the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, has shared as much intimacy with Jesus and can recall memories to compare with the stories that Joseph could narrate about Jesus as a boy or teen-ager and possibly even as a hard working young man (since we cannot determine the time of St. Joseph's death)?  He alone could stand before the most brilliant among the saints and say: "Sure, you dedicated your life to Jesus and became famous because of your attachment to Him.  Do you remember who answered all the questions of that bright little boy?  Do you recall whose apprentice He was in the carpenter's trade?  When Jesus' mysterious nature began to manifest itself the people could not believe that He came from such humble beginnings.  'Isn't this the carpenter's son?'" they asked.

 Joseph could listen to the great theological luminaries among the saintly bishops and teachers of history and say to them: Together with Mary, I taught your Lord and God.  Mary and I were His family, His school and His instructors.  What do you think of the job we did on our only Child?"  When it comes to fond memories of a happy and holy family, nobody has memories like St. Joseph! 

I like to think that if ever a painting were done of St. Joseph about which he might just have something to suggest, he'd probably make an observation along the following.  Glancing around at all the flashy saints in their glittering uniforms and robes, Joseph would probably say: "Just paint me in my dusty brown and shabby work clothes with my saw and hammer; no fanfare, no gilded halo or symbols."  He would make one final request, one that would outscore the entire galaxy of Heaven's saints.  "Just one final request, please.  Would you mind including my wife and little boy on the painting?  I just can't tell you about my life apart from those two whom I loved so dearly: my family -- Jesus and Mary!" 

Devotedly in the Holy Family, Fr. Roger L. Pageot, S.S.S. (From the Sunday Bulletin of St. Andrew's Church)

Prayer to St. Joseph

     To you, O Blessed Joseph, do we have recourse in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your thrice-holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.  By that charity wherewith you were united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly affection with which you did embrace the Child Jesus, we beseech you and we humbly pray, that you would look graciously upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by His Blood, and assist us in our needs by your power and strength.  Most watchful guardian of the Holy Family protect the chosen people of Jesus Christ; keep far from us most loving father, all blight of error and corruption. Mercifully assist us from Heaven, most mighty defender, in our conflict with the powers of darkness; and even as of old you did rescue the Child Jesus from the supreme peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; keep us one and all under your continual protection, that we may be supported by your example and your assistance, may be enabled to lead a holy life, die a happy death and come at last to the possession of everlasting blessedness in Heaven.  Amen.

From the Legion Handbook

        In the Legion's prayers, St. Joseph's name follows the invocations to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, as he ranks next to them in the Court of Heaven.  He was head of the Holy Family, fulfilling in regard to Jesus and Mary a primary and altogether special part.  The same - no more - no less -this greatest of saints continues to render to the Mystical Body of Jesus and its Mother.  The existence and activity of the church, and therefore of the Legion, are sustained by him.  His care is unfailing, vital, possessed of parental intimacy; is second only in influence to the mothering of Mary, and is it be so appreciated by the Legion.  If his love is to be potent in us, we  must open ourselves fully to it by a behavior which reflects the intense devotion which he lavishes on us.  Jesus and Mary were ever mindful of him for all he did for them.  Similarly legionaries must be attentive to him in a constant sort of way. 

  Prayer

          Father, You entrusted our Savior to the care of St. Joseph.  By the help of his prayers may your Church continue to serve its Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

From Cardinal Suenens

        We cannot dissociate the historical life of Jesus from His mystical life continuing in the Church.  It is not without reason that the Popes have proclaimed St. Joseph protector of the Church.  His task has remained ever the same amid changing times and ways.  As protector of the Church of Christ, he does no less than carry on his earthly mission.  Since the days of Nazareth, God's family has grown and spread to the ends of the earth.  Joseph's heart has expanded to the dimension of his new fatherhood, which prolongs  and surpasses the paternity promised by God to Abraham, the father of a myriad.  God does not vary in His dealings with us; there are no second thoughts, no arbitrary changes to His plan.  All is one, ordered, consistent and continuous.  Joseph, the foster-father of Jesus, is likewise foster-father to the brethren of Jesus, that is, to all Christians through the ages.  Joseph, the spouse of Mary who brought forth Jesus, remains mysteriously united to her while the mystical birth of the Church proceeds in the world.  Hence, the legionary of Mary who is extend here below the Kingdom of God, that is the Church, rightly claims the special protection of him who was the head of the new-born Church, the Holy Family.

    Cardinal L. J. Suenens.

Act of Consecration to St. Joseph 

          St. Joseph, I consecrate myself, my entire family and all my loved ones to you, that you may ever be our father, our patron and our guide in the way of salvation.  Obtain for us purity of heart and a fervent devotion to the spiritual life.  Grant that, following your  example, we may direct all our actions to the greater glory of God, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and in union with you.

            Finally, St. Joseph, pray for my family, my loved ones, and the members of the Apostolate, that we may be partakers in the peace and joy which were yours throughout your life and at the hour of your death.  Amen.

Apostolate for Family Consecration