Quote/s of the Day – 11 May – Octave Day of St Joseph
“I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him, at any time for anything, which he has not granted and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favours which God has given me, through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul!”
St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church
“It is impossible, that he could be denied the favours for which he asks and which we should request him to obtain for us. Let us go to him trustingly but, let us remember, that the surest way of being heard by him, is to imitate his wonderful virtues, especially his humility, his spirit of prayer, his purity and his calm desire always, to do God’s will.”
Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail! By Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863)
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Chaste spouse of Mary hail! Pure as the lily flow’r In Eden’s peaceful vale. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Prince of the house of God! May His best graces be By thy sweet hands bestowed.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Comrade of Angels, hail! Cheer thou the hearts that faint, And guide the steps that fail. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! God’s choice wert thou alone! To thee the Word made flesh, Was subject as a Son.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Teach us our flesh to tame And, Mary, keep the hearts That love thy husband’s name. Mother of Jesus! bless, And bless, ye Saints on high, All meek and simple souls That to Saint Joseph cry. Amen.
One Minute Reflection – 11 May – Octave Day of St Joseph – Genesis 49:22-26, Luke 3:21-23
“And Jesus, Himself, was beginning about the age of thirty years, being – (as it was supposed) – the son of Joseph … “” – Luke 3:23
REFLECTION – “There is a general rule, concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favour chooses someone to receive a special grace, or to accept a lofty vocation, God adorns the person chosen, with all the gifts of the Spirit, needed to fulfil the task at hand.
This general rule is especially verified in the case of Saint Joseph, the Foster-Father of our Lord and the husband of the Queen of our world, enthroned above the Angels. He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy Guardian and Protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his Divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying: Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.
What then is Joseph’s position in the whole Church of Christ? Is he not a man chosen and set apart? Through him and, yes, under him, Christ was fittingly and honourably introduced into the world. Holy Church, in its entirety, is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her, it was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after her, we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to Saint Joseph.
In him the Old Testament finds its fitting close. He brought the noble line of patriarchs and prophets to its promised fulfilment. What the Divine Goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms. Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very high honour which He gave him on earth, as a son to his father. Rather, we must say that in Heaven, Christ completes and perfects, all that He gave at Nazareth.
Now, we can see ,how the last summoning words of the Lord appropriately apply to Saint Joseph – Enter into the joy of your Lord. In fact, although the joy of eternal happiness enters into the soul of a man, the Lord preferred to say to Joseph – Enter into joy. His intention was, that the words should have a hidden spiritual meaning for us. They convey, not only that this holy man possesses an inward joy but also, that it surrounds him and engulfs him, like an infinite abyss.
Remember us, Saint Joseph and plead for us to your Foster-Child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the Mother of Him Who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns eternally. Amen.” – St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) (An excerpt on his Sermon 2 of St Joseph).
PRAYER – O God, Who in thine unspeakable foreknowledge, didst choose Thy blessed servant Joseph to be the husband of thine Own most holy Mother; mercifully grant, that now that he is in heaven with Thee, we, who on earth do reverence him for our Defender, may worthily be assisted by the succour of his prayers to Thee ,on our behalf. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
The Solemnity of Saint Joseph – 4 May: Between 1870 and 1955, an additional Feast was celebrated in honour of Saint Joseph as Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patron of the Universal Church, the latter title having been given to him by Pope Pius IX. Originally celebrated on the third Sunday after Easter with an octave, after Divino Afflatu of Saint Pius X (see Reform of the Roman Breviary by Pope Pius X), it was moved to the preceding Wednesday (because Wednesday is the day of the week specifically dedicated to St Joseph, St John the Baptist and local Patrons). The Feast was also retitled The Solemnity of Saint Joseph. This celebration and its accompanying Octave were abolished during the modernisation of rubrics under Pope Pius XII in 1955.
St Albian of Albée Bl Angela Bartolomea dei Ranzi Bl Angela Isabella dei Ranzi St Antonia of Constantinople St Antonina of Nicaea St Antonia of Nicomedia St Antonius of Rocher St Arbeo of Freising St Augustine Webster St Cunegund of Regensburg St Curcodomus of Auxerre St Cyriacus of Ancona St Enéour St Ethelred of Bardney St Florian of Lorch Bl Hilsindis
Blessed Jean-Martin Moyë (1730-1793) French Priest, Missionary to China, Founder of the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence – the first expression of consecrated life among the women of China. Writer, Teacher, Innovator, Evangelist. Beatified on 21 November 1954 by Pope Pius XII. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-jean-martin-moye-1730-1793/
Blessed Ladislas of Gielniów OFM Cap (c 1440-1505) “The Apostle of Lithuania,” Priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, zealous and tireless Evangelist, renowned Preacher, Poet and Hymnist, disciple of St Bernardine of Siena and his Apostolate of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and a devotee of the Passio of Christ. Ladislas served his Order in various capacities which included both a Doorkeeper and as its Provincial! He travelled across Poland to evangelise and was a noted preacher. About Blessed Ladislas: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-ladislas-of-gielniow-ofm-cap-c-1440-1505/
St Luca da Toro
Bl Marco Ongaro of Conegliano OFM Bl Margareta Kratz Bl Michal Giedroyc St Nepotian of Altino Bl Paolino Bigazzini St Paulinus of Cologne St Paulinus of Senigallia St Pelagia of Tarsus St Porphyrius of Camerino Rino St Richard Reynolds OSsS (c 1492-1535) Martyr, Monk of the Bridgettine Order (the Order of the Most Holy Saviour (Ordo Sanctissimi Salvatoris; abbreviated OSsS).
Carthusian Martyrs of England: A group of Carthusian Monks who were hanged, drawn and quartered between 19 June 1535 and 20 September 1537 for refusing to acknowledge the English royalty as head of the Church: • Blessed Humphrey Middlemore • Blessed James Walworth • Blessed John Davy • Blessed John Rochester • Blessed Richard Bere • Blessed Robert Salt • Blessed Sebastian Newdigate • Blessed Thomas Green • Blessed Thomas Johnson • Blessed Thomas Redyng • Blessed Thomas Scryven • Blessed Walter Pierson • Blessed William Exmew • Blessed William Greenwood • Blessed William Horne • Saint Augustine Webster • Saint John Houghton • Saint Robert Lawrence
Martyrs of Cirta: Also known as • Martyrs of Cirtha • Martyrs of Tzirta A group of clergy and laity Martyred together in Cirta, Numidia (in modern Tunisia) in the persecutions of Valerian. They were – Agapius, Antonia, Emilian, Secundinus and Tertula, along with a woman and her twin children whose names have not come down to us.
Martyrs of England: 85 English, Scottish and Welsh Catholics who were Martyred during the persecutions by Protestants in the 16th and 17th centuries. They are commemorated together on 22 November. • Blessed Alexander Blake • Blessed Alexander Crow • Blessed Antony Page • Blessed Arthur Bell • Blessed Charles Meehan • Blessed Christopher Robinson • Blessed Christopher Wharton • Blessed Edmund Duke • Blessed Edmund Sykes • Blessed Edward Bamber • Blessed Edward Burden • Blessed Edward Osbaldeston • Blessed Edward Thwing • Blessed Francis Ingleby • Blessed George Beesley • Blessed George Douglas • Blessed George Errington • Blessed George Haydock • Blessed George Nichols • Blessed Henry Heath • Blessed Henry Webley • Blessed Hugh Taylor • Blessed Humphrey Pritchard • Blessed John Adams • Blessed John Bretton • Blessed John Fingley • Blessed John Hambley • Blessed John Hogg • Blessed John Lowe • Blessed John Norton • Blessed John Sandys • Blessed John Sugar • Blessed John Talbot • Blessed John Thules • Blessed John Woodcock • Blessed Joseph Lambton • Blessed Marmaduke Bowes • Blessed Matthew Flathers • Blessed Montfort Scott • Blessed Nicholas Garlick • Blessed Nicholas Horner • Blessed Nicholas Postgate • Blessed Nicholas Woodfen • Blessed Peter Snow • Blessed Ralph Grimston • Blessed Richard Flower • Blessed Richard Hill • Blessed Richard Holiday • Blessed Richard Sergeant • Blessed Richard Simpson • Blessed Richard Yaxley • Blessed Robert Bickerdike • Blessed Robert Dibdale • Blessed Robert Drury • Blessed Robert Grissold • Blessed Robert Hardesty • Blessed Robert Ludlam • Blessed Robert Middleton • Blessed Robert Nutter • Blessed Robert Sutton • Blessed Robert Sutton • Blessed Robert Thorpe • Blessed Roger Cadwallador • Blessed Roger Filcock • Blessed Roger Wrenno • Blessed Stephen Rowsham • Blessed Thomas Atkinson • Blessed Thomas Belson • Blessed Thomas Bullaker • Blessed Thomas Hunt • Blessed Thomas Palaser • Blessed Thomas Pilcher • Blessed Thomas Pormort • Blessed Thomas Sprott • Blessed Thomas Watkinson • Blessed Thomas Whitaker • Blessed Thurstan Hunt • Blessed William Carter • Blessed William Davies • Blessed William Gibson • Blessed William Knight • Blessed William Lampley • Blessed William Pike • Blessed William Southerne • Blessed William Spenser • Blessed William Thomson • They were Beatified on 22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II.
Martyrs of Novellara: A Bishop and several his flock who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian and whose relics were kept and enshrined together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Apollo, Bono, Cassiano, Castoro, Damiano, Dionisio, Leonida, Lucilla, Poliano, Tecla, Teodora and Vespasiano. They were Martyred on 26 March 303. Their relics were enshrined in the parish of Saint Stephen in Novellara, Italy in 1603.
One Minute Reflection – 1 May – The Second Sunday after Easter – St Joseph the Worker, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24, Matthew 13:54-58
“Is not this the carpenter’s son? ” – Matthew 13:55
REFLECTION – “For if I do not understand the nature placed at my service, I discern Your goodness from the mere fact that it is there to serve me. I perceive that I do not even understand myself but I wonder at You all the more… You have given me intellect, life and human feeling, the source of so many joys, yet I do not begin to understand how I began to be… So it is through failing to understand what surrounds me, that I grasp what You are and, it is through perceiving what You are, that I come to adore You. That is why, in what concerns Your mysteries, my incomprehension lessens not a bit my faith in Your omnipotence… Your eternal Son’s birth exceeds even the idea of eternity – it is prior to the times everlasting. Before any other thing that exists, He was Son proceeding from You, O God and Father. He is true God… You have never existed without Him… Before ever time was, You are the eternal Father of Your Sole Begotten One.”… St Hilary (315-368) Bishop of Poitiers, Father and Doctor of the Divinity of Christ of the Church
PRAYER – O God, Creator of all things, Who dost impose on man the law of work, grant in Thy goodness, that, by the example and patronage of blessed Joseph, we may both accomplish the work Thou dost command and attain the reward Thou hast promised. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
St Aceolus of Amiens St Acius of Amiens St Aldebrandus of Fossombrone St Amator of Auxerre St Ambrose of Ferentino St Andeolus of Smyrna Bl Arigius of Gap St Arnold of Hiltensweiler St Asaph of Llanelwy St Augustine Schöffler
St Benedict of Szkalka OSB (Died 1012) Monk and Hermit
St Bertha of Avenay St Bertha of Kent St Brieuc of Brittany (c 420-c 510)Welsh Bishop Monk and Missionary to Brittany. St Ceallach of Killala St Cominus of Catania Evermarus of Rousson Bl Felim O’Hara St Grata of Bergamo St Isidora of Egypt St Jeremiah the Prophet St John-Louis Bonnard Bl Klymentii Sheptytskyi St Marculf St Orentius of Auch St Orentius of Loret St Patientia of Loret
St Peregrine Laziosi OSM (1260-1345) The “Angel of Good Counsel,” Priest of the Servite Order (The Order of Servants of Mary), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Miracle-worker, Spiritual Advisor. Patronages – against cancer, against breast cancer, against open sores, against skin diseases, AIDS patients, sick people, Diocese of Forli-Bertinoro, Italy, City of Forli, Italy. St Peregrine’s body is Incorrupt. Beautiful St Peregrine: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-peregrine-laziosi-osm-1260-1345-today-is-the-675th-anniversary-of-his-death/
Bl Petronilla of Moncel
St Richard Pampuri OH (1897-1930) aged 33 – Italian Religious of the Hospitallers of St John of God, Medical Doctor, Founder of the Band of Pius X (a Youth movement) which he dedicated to the medical care of poor people, Third Order Franciscan. He was an outstanding lover of the Holy Eucharist in Adoration and an avid Marian devotee, as well as living out his short but faith-filled life in total charity to all the needy and poor. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-richard-pampuri-oh-1897-1930/
Second Thought for the Day – 19 March – St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
One of the long-standing Follower/Benefactor on Breathing Catholic, who lives in Canada, shared the following with me on St Joseph’s day last year – many of you will remember that, at that time, I had recently moved from the area in the story to where I live now – AND had never heard about Fr O’Hare there:
Do Not Forget St Joseph!
Father O’Hare, a Missionary in South Africa, relates the following story:
“During my residence of twelve years in Africa, I had charge of a territory as large as all England. From time to time I visited my scattered flock. On one of these tours I lost my way and wandered about, without having any idea whence I came or whither I was going.
No trace of a human being could be seen. It was in the dry season and my thirsty ponies could hardly draw my cart. Eventually I arrived in an unknown valley wherein was located the farm of a Boer Afrikaner. The land was scorched by the heat of the sun but I saw a pond near the house. I presented myself to the farmer, told him my story and requested permission to water my horses. This he permitted.
Then I told him that I was a Catholic Priest. I noticed that he was a Calvinist. ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘that is fortunate – for, in the rear of the house there lies a workman; he is a Catholic. Perhaps you can go to see him.’
I hurried there and found a poor boy with death written on his forehead. When I told him that I was the Catholic Priest from the District of Oudtshoorn, 150 miles away, the sunken and pale man raised himself in his bed and cried out with emotion in a tone of genuine thanks: ‘Oh, St Joseph! I knew you would send me a Priest before my death, who would assist me in my last hour’.
What is that about St. Joseph? I asked inquisitively.
Then the dying man told me the following story: “When I was yet a boy at home, my good and pious mother taught me to say every day, ‘Oh, St. Joseph obtain for me the grace of a happy death.‘ From that day on, I never omitted that prayer a single day. I made my first Holy Communion when ten years old, served Holy Mass until my fifteenth birthday and entered the army when I was twenty-one. The Zulu war brought me to Africa. Before leaving Ireland I went to take leave of my poor old mother in my uniform. When we parted she added: ‘Do not forget the little prayer to St Joseph.’
“The Zulu war ended and my service expired; I received my honourable discharge and stayed in the Colony. The nearest Priest to me lived in Capetown, 500 miles distant. After a time I came to this Dutch farmer and have been here for years . Not long ago, I heard that a Priest was at Oudtshoorn, 150 miles away and although sickly, I went there that I might again approach the Sacraments, go to Confession and receive Holy Communion.” When I arrived at the presbytery, I was told that you had already left on your tour. ‘Yesterday I arrived back here, sick unto death and now you see, today St Joseph sends me a priest!’
I remained overnight with him, prepared him, heard his Confession and the next morning gave him the Holy Viaticum and shortly afterwards anointed him and gave him the last blessing.
A little while later he died and the last prayer that fell from his lips was: ‘St Joseph, obtain for me the grace of a happy death! ”
Thought for the Day – 19 March – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
St Joseph
“Let us turn to St Joseph in times of necessity. He is very powerful because his blessed Spouse will refuse him nothing and the Son of God loves him with the love which a son has for a father. He worked for Jesus and Mary all his life and endured hardship, danger and exile for their sake. He loved them as nobody else in the world ever loved them.
It is impossible, that he could be denied the favours for which he asks and which we should request him to obtain for us.
Let us go to him trustingly but, let us remember, that the surest way of being heard by him, is to imitate his wonderful virtues, especially his humility, his spirit of prayer, his purity and his calm desire always, to do God’s will.”
Our Lenten Journey with the Great Fathers on the Feast of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 19 March
“Happy the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commands.” – Psalm 111:1-3
“Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, fear not to take to you, Mary your wife, for that which is begotten in her is of the holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:20
“HOW THEN DID the Angel assure Joseph? Hear and marvel at the wisdom of these words: “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife.” The angel instantly puts him in mind of David, from whose seed the Anointed One would spring. He did not allow him to be confused by the exalted title of his forefather, or remind him that the promise was made to the whole race. Rather, he addresses him personally as “Joseph, Son of David.” … By saying “fear not,” he indicates that Joseph had been afraid, lest he might give offence to God by retaining an adulteress under the law. If it had not been for this, he would not have even thought of casting her out. The Angel came from God to bring forward and set before him clearly, what he thought to do and what he felt in his mind.
THE ANGEL did not only mention her by name but also simply called her “your wife.” He would not have called her so, if she had been unfaithful. Even as espoused, he speaks of her as “your wife,” just as Scripture commonly calls betrothed husbands sons-in-law, even before marriage.
BUT WHAT IS MEANT by “[Do not fear] to take Mary your wife”? It means to retain her in his house. For he was intending to put her away. It is as if the angelic voice prompted: “Retain her just as if she has been committed to you by God, not by her parents alone. God is committing her, not for marriage but to dwell with you. By my voice, He is committing her to you.” Just as Christ would later commit Mary to his disciple, so now he commits her to Joseph.” – St John Chrysostom (347-407) Father amd Doctor (The Gospel of Matthew, Homily 4)
Quote/s of the Day – 19 March – St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him, at any time for anything, which he has not granted and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favours which God has given me, through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul!”
St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Doctor of the Church
“… You can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined… he went to his own country and town of Bethlehem and none but he, was turned away from all those inns… Notice how the Angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes, he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor… and he submits to it with love and not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long.””
St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church
Blessed Joseph, Remember Us By St Bernadine of Siena (1380-1444)
Blessed Joseph, remember us, intercede with the help of your prayers to your adopted Son and may you likewise, make the blessed Virgin, your Spouse, to be favourable towards us, for she is the Mother of Him, who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns world without end. Amen
One Minute Reflection – 19 March – St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Ecclesiasticus 45:1-6, Matthew 1:18-21
“Joseph, son of David ” – Matthew 1:20
REFLECTION – “There is no doubt that Joseph was a very holy and trustworthy man, since the Mother of the Saviour was to be his wife. He was the “faithful and prudent servant” (Mt 24:45), for God established him to be His Mother’s support, the foster father of His flesh and the assistant for His plan of salvation.
We must recall, that he was of the House of David. He was son of David, not only by bonds of the flesh but even more, because of his faith, holiness and piety. God found in him, a second David, to whom He could confidently entrust His plans, even the most hidden. He revealed to him, as to another David, the mysteries of His Wisdom and disclosed to him, what no teacher in the world, could know. He allowed him to see and listen, to things that so many kings and prophets had wished to see and hear but which,, in spite of their desire, they had not been able to see or to hear (Mt 13:7), even more,, He made him carry and guide, embrace, nurture and protect Him. Both Mary and Joseph belonged to David’s race; in Mary was fulfilled the promise once made by the Lord to David, while Joseph was the witness of this fulfilment.” – St Bernard (1090-1153) (Surname de Fontaine) Priest, Cistercian Monk, The Last Father and Doctor Mellifluus (Mellifluous Doctor) (Homily on the “Missus est”, 2, 16).
PRAYER – May the merits of Your most holy Mother’s spouse help us, we beseech You, O Lord, that through his intercession, we may receive what we cannot obtain by our own efforts. Who lives and reigns with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Our Morning Offering –19 March – St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Hail, Holy Joseph, Hail! By Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863)
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Chaste spouse of Mary hail! Pure as the lily flow’r In Eden’s peaceful vale. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Prince of the house of God! May His best graces be By thy sweet hands bestowed.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Comrade of Angels, hail! Cheer thou the hearts that faint, And guide the steps that fail. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! God’s choice wert thou alone! To thee the Word made flesh, Was subject as a Son.
Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Teach us our flesh to tame And, Mary, keep the hearts That love thy husband’s name. Mother of Jesus! bless, And bless, ye Saints on high, All meek and simple souls That to Saint Joseph cry. Amen.
St Adrian of Maastricht St Alkmund of Northumbria St Amantius of Wintershoven Blessed Andrea Gallerani (Died 1251) Layman, Penitent. St Apollonius of Braga St Auxilius of Ireland Bl Clement of Dunblane St Colocer of Saint-Brieuc St Corbasius of Quimperlé St Cuthbert of Brittany St Gemus
Martyrs of Sorrento: A group of three sisters and a brother who were Martyred together. We have little more than their names – Mark, Quartilla, Quintilla and Quintius. They were martyred in Sorrento, Italy, date unknown. Mark Quartilla Quintilla Quintius
Martyred in the Spanish Civil War: • Blessed Alberto Linares de La Pinta • Blessed Jaume Trilla Lastra
Look down on us, Saint Joseph, Protector of Our Lord, Who followed you through deserts And gave you blessed reward; Our foes are yet about us, Be our strength now at our side, Be light against the darkness. Saint Joseph, be our guide and protector! We venerate your justice, The gospels praise your name, You are the Saint all humble, Who gained eternal fame. In your devoted family Our souls in trust confide, Direct our way to heaven. Saint Joseph, be our guide. We implore your powerful intercession, to obtain from the gentle heart of Jesus all the help and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly protection from the powers of evil and the special grace I now implore: …………….. (Mention your request) O guardian of the Word Incarnate we feel animated with confidence, that your prayers on our behalf, will be graciously heard, before the throne of God. St Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us! Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands, to implore your powerful intercession, to obtain from the gentle heart of Jesus all the help and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a holy death and the special grace I now implore: …………….. (Mention your request) O guardian of the Word Incarnate we feel animated with confidence, that your prayers on our behalf, will be graciously heard, before the throne of God. St Joseph, Patron of the Dying, Pray for us! Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Dear Saint Joseph, you were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing the necessities of life, for Jesus and Mary. Look down with fatherly compassion upon us in my anxiety over my present inability to support my family. Please help us to find gainful employment very soon, so that this heavy burden of concern, will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help us to guard against bitterness and discouragement, so that we may emerge from this trial, spiritually enriched with virtue and with even greater blessings from God. We raise our hearts to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore: …………….. (Mention your request) Guardian of the Word Incarnate, We feel confident, that your prayers on our behalf, will be graciously heard before the throne of God St Joseph Most Holy Patron of Workers, Pray for us! Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
O most powerful Patriarch, Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, which has always invoked you in anxieties and tribulations. From the lofty seat of your glory, lovingly regard the Catholic Church. Let it move your paternal heart to see the mystical Spouse of Christ weakened by sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies. We beseech you, by the merits of the most bitter sufferings of Christ, to wipe away the tears of His pilgrim people, to defend and liberate them and to intercede with the Giver of peace and charity, that every hostile power be overcome and every error be destroyed, so that the whole Church may serve the God of all blessings in perfect liberty and peace. We too raise our hearts to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore: …………….. (Mention your request) Guardian of the Word Incarnate, We feel confident, that your prayers on our behalf, will be graciously heard before the throne of God St Joseph Most Holy Patron of the One Holy Catholic Church, Pray for us! Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Saint Joseph, you lived for one purpose — to be the personal servant of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Your noble birth and ancestry, the graces and gifts, so generously poured out on you by God — all this was yours, to serve our Lord. Your every thought, word and action, was a homage to the love and glory of the Incarnate Word. You fulfilled most faithfully the role of a good and faithful servant who cared for the House of God. Glorious Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, faithful heart and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father and my model throughout life, that I may die as you did, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore: …………….. (Mention your request) Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God St Joseph Most Faithful, Pray for us! Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Most Chaste Spouse the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
Saint Joseph, Foster Father and Guardian of Jesus and Protector of the Blessed Virgin, to whose faithful keeping , Christ Jesus, Purity and Innocence itself and Mary, the Virgin of virgins, were entrusted, we pray and beseech you by that twofold and most precious charge, by Jesus and Mary, to save us from all uncleanness, to keep our minds untainted, our hearts pure and our bodies chaste. Help us always, to serve Jesus and Mary in perfect chastity. And for this special grace we now implore you, ……………. (Mention your request) We humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His Blood and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength. May the wholesome fear of God, strengthen us, that virtue may adorn our lives and lead us to Heaven. St Joseph, Most Chaste, Pray for us! Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. O most prudent Guardian of the Holy Family, protect our home. Pour forth from heaven. blessings on our family. Remain in our midst. Help us to live in love and harmony, in peace and joy. May the wholesome fear of God, strengthen us, that virtue may adorn our lives and lead us to heaven. To you this day we give the key to our dwelling place. Lock out all things that could do us harm. Lock our home and our loved ones, in the hearts of Jesus and Mary. And for this special grace we now implore you: ……………. (Mention your request) We humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His blood and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength. Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel confident that your prayers on our behalf, will be graciously heard before the throne of God. St Joseph Most Loving Husband and Guardian, Pray for us! Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
To you, O Blessed Joseph, we come in our trials and having asked the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently ask your patronage too. Through that sacred bond of charity, which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the fatherly love, with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His Blood and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength and the special grace we now implore: ……………. (Mention your request)
O most prudent Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen family of Jesus Christ. Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin. Our most mighty protector, graciously assist us from Heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness. And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now, defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death and to obtain eternal happiness in Heaven. St Joseph Most Prudent, Pray for us! Amen
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example of holiness, for you are especially close to God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all for whom I pray, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death. Glorious Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable heart and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father and my model throughout life, that I may die as you did, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore: …………….. (Mention your request) Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God St Joseph Most Just, Pray for us! Amen.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
St Joseph, we ask for your assistance in all our needs. The Novena begins on Thursday 10 March. Please pray for us!
St Teresa of Avila’s Plea
“Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious Saint, for I know, by long experience, what blessings he can obtain for us from God. I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and honoured him, by particular services, who did not advance greatly in virtue, for he helps in a special way, those souls who commend themselves to him. It is now very many years since I began asking him for something on his feast and I have always received it. If the petition was in any way amiss, he rectified it for my greater good . . .
I ask for the love of God, that he who does not believe me, will make the trial for himself—then he will find out by experience, the great good that results from commending oneself to this glorious Patriarch and in being devoted to him.”
The beloved Foster-Father and Guardian of Jesus and Protector of the Holy Family, is celebrated for this whole month and his Feast Day falls in the middle of it – 19 March.
“Joseph shines among all mankind by the most august dignity, since by divine will, he was the Guardian of the Son of God and reputed as His father among men. Hence it came about, that the Word of God was humbly subject to Joseph, that He obeyed him and that He rendered to him, all those offices that children are bound to render to their parents. From this two-fold dignity flowed the obligation which nature lays upon the head of families, so that Joseph became the Guardian, the Administrator and the legal Defender of the Divine house, whose chief he was. And, during the whole course of his life ,he fulfilled those charges and those duties. … It is, then, natural and worthy, that as the Blessed Joseph ministered to all the needs of the Family at Nazareth and girt it about with his protection, he should now cover, with the cloak of his heavenly patronage and defend the Church of Jesus Christ.
“Quamquam Pluries” – On the Devotion to St Joseph –Pope Leo XIII
On 10 March, we begin the Novena to St Joseph, entrusting so many of our woes and cares to his holy and fatherly care and intercession. His Patronages are numerous, as we know, one of them will fit our needs perfectly and if not, then we should all ask him to intercede on our behalf for our families and for a Happy and Holy Death. On the 19th we pray the Consecration to St Joseph.
Patronages • against doubt and hesitation • accountants • all the legal professions • bursars • cabinetmakers • carpenters • cemetery workers • children • civil engineers • confectioners • craftsmen • the dying • teachers • emigrants • exiles • expectant mothers • families • fathers • furniture makers • grave diggers • happy death • holy death • house hunters • immigrants • joiners • labourers • married couples • orphans • against Communism • pioneers • social justice • travellers • the unborn • wheelwrights • workers • workers • Catholic Church • Oblates of Saint Joseph • for protection of the Church • Universal Church • Americas • Austria • Belgium • Bohemia • Canada • China • Croatian people • Korea • Mexico • New France • New World • Peru • Philippines • Vatican City • VietNam • Canadian Armed Forces • Papal States • 46 Diocese • 26 cities • states and regions.
“In him the Old Testament finds its fitting close. He brought the noble line of patriarchs and prophets to its promised fulfilment. What the divine goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms.
Obviously, Christ does not now deny to Joseph that intimacy, reverence and very high honour which He gave him on earth, as a son to His father. Rather, we must say, that in Heaven, Christ completes and perfects, all that He gave at Nazareth.” – St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444) (An excerpt from his On Saint Joseph [Sermon 2])
Lenten Preparation Novena in Reparation to the Holy Face Day Five
“All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER
O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, through the intercession of Holy Mary, whose soul was pierced through by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of her Divine Son, we ask Your help, in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus, united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment. We now implore all the Angels and Saints to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena to the Most Holy Face of Jesus and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
(Console Holy Face and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer)
Psalm 51,10-11: Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may revive. From my sins turn away your Face and blot out all my guilt.
Holy Face of Jesus, Sacred Countenance of God, how great is Your patience with humankind, how infinite Your forgiveness. We are sinners, yet You love us. This gives us courage. For the glory of Your Holy Face and of the Blessed Trinity, hear and answer us. Mary our Mother, intercede for us, Saint Joseph, pray for us. Through the merits of Your Precious Blood and your Holy Face, O Jesus, grant us our petition ……………… Pardon and mercy. Amen
Prayer to Saint Joseph – Adopt Us a Thy Children
Dear Saint Joseph! Adopt us as thy children, take charge of our salvation; watch over us day and night, preserve us from occasions of sin, obtain for us purity of body and soul and the spirit of prayer, through thy intercession with Jesus, grant us a spirit of sacrifice, of humility and self-denial, obtain for us a burning love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and a sweet, tender love for Mary, our Mother. Saint Joseph, be with us in life, be with us in death and obtain for us a favourable judgement from Jesus, our merciful Saviour. Amen
Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be.
O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine, be every Adoration Thine (Three times)
One Minute Reflection – 18 December – O Adonai … O Lord – Saturday of the Third Week of Advent, Readings: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19, Matthew 1:18-25
O LORD AND RULER of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai, Come and redeem us with outstretched arms.
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid” – Matthew 1:20
REFLECTION – “Joseph embraced the Son of the heavenly Father as he would a newborn babe and served Him as his God. He took pleasure in this as in goodness itself and he, who was complete righteousness (Mt 1:19), worshiped Him.
Oh how great was his wonderment! “How is it, Son of God Most High, that I should have You as my Son? I was angered against Your Mother and thought to put her away. I never knew that in her womb so great a treasure lay, Who straightway made me rich in the midst of my poverty.
David the King, arose amongst my forebears and wore the crown, yet how great is the destitution to which I have come! No king, I am a carpenter, yet a crown has come to me, since on my heart there rests, the Lord of all crowns.” – St Ephrem (306-373) Deacon in Syria, Father and Doctor of the Church (Hymn for the Nativity.)
PRAYER – Write Your Blessed Name, Upon My Heart By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Write Your blessed name, O Lord, upon my heart, there to remain so indelibly engraved, that no prosperity, no adversity shall ever move me from Your love. Be to me a strong tower of defence, a comforter in tribulation, a deliverer in distress, a very present help in trouble and a guide to Heaven through the many temptations and dangers of this life. Amen.
Our Morning Offering – 6 October – Ad Te, Beate Joseph
In Catholic Time, Wednesdays are traditionally St Joseph’s day. Saint Joseph is known as the Prince and chief Patron of the Church. As the earthly Father of Jesus, he had a special role in protecting, providing for and instructing Jesus during His earthly life. Now that Christ is ascended into Heaven, St Joseph continues his fatherly guardianship of Christ’s body, the Church. He is a very powerful help to all of us.
Ad Te, Beate Joseph To Thee, O Blessed Joseph By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)
O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. O most loving father, ward off from us, every contagion of error and corrupting influence. O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness and, as once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy and to obtain eternal happiness in Heaven. Amen
Pope Leo asked that this prayer be added to the end of the Holy Rosary during the Month of October.
Thought for the Day – 19 March – The Solemnity of the Feast of St Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Patron of the Universal Church – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
St Joseph
“Joseph is described in the Gospel as “a just man” (Mt 1:19). Perfect justice, such as St Joseph possessed, is directed towards God, ourselves and our neighbours and embraces, in itself, all the other virtues. A pious tradition claims, that he was born wealthy, as well as being from a royal stock but,he distributed his goods amog the poor and for the greater part of his life, worked as a humble carpenter.
He loved silence and obscurity. His only aim in life was to please Jesus and His Blessed Mother.
It is believed, that he was confirmed in grace from the moment of his birth and that when he reached the use of reason, he consecrated himself to God by a vow of perpetual virginity.
He was always peaceful and hardworking and never complained about his position in life. Even when grave misfortunes overtook him, he endeavoured to do God’s will from the simple motive, that ths was what God wanted.
We have a great deal to learn from this temendous Saint. Let us love him, pray to him and imitate him.”
“When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him” – Matthew 1:24
REFLECTION – “How faithful in humility was the great Saint we are celebrating! That can’t be said in all its perfection for, in spite of what he was, in what poverty and lowliness he lived all the days of his life, a poverty and lowliness beneath which he kept hidden and concealed his great virtues and dignity!… Truly, I have no doubt at all, that the angels came, beside themselves with admiration, rank upon rank, to behold and wonder at his humility, while he sheltered that dearest Child, in the poor workshop where he worked at his employment, so as to feed the little Boy and the mother entrusted to him.
There is no doubt at all, that Saint Joseph was braver than David and wiser that Solomon, [who were his ancestors]. Nevertheless, seeing him reduced to the exercise of carpentry, who could have discerned this, unless they were enlightened by a heavenly light, so hidden did he keep the remarkable gifts, with which God had favoured him?
And what wisdom did he not have? For God gave him, His most glorious Son to care for… the universal Prince of heaven and earth… Nevertheless, you can see how low and humbled he was brought, more than can be said or imagined… he went to his own country and town of Bethlehem and none but he, was turned away from all those inns…
Notice how the angel turns him about with both hands. He tells him he has to go to Egypt and he goes, he orders him to return and he returns. God wants him to be always poor… and he submits to it with love and not only for a while, for he was poor his whole life long.”- St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church – Conferences, no. 19
PRAYER – Almighty God, at the beginnings of our salvation, when Mary conceived your Son and brought Him forth into the world, you placed them under Joseph’s watchful care. May his prayer still help Your Church to be an equally faithful guardian of Your mysteriest and a sign of Christ to mankind. We make our prayer through our Lord Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, God, forever, amen.
Our Morning Offering – 19 March – The Solemnity of St Joseph
Blessed Joseph, Remember Us By St Bernadine of Siena (1380-1444)
Blessed Joseph, remember us, intercede with the help of your prayers to your adopted Son and may you likewise, make the blessed Virgin, your Spouse, to be favourable towards us, for she is the Mother of Him, who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns world without end. Amen
Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 19 March:
“All the unmarried men gathered in the temple and prayed to the Lord conjointly with the Priests, in order to be governed by the Holy Spirit in what they were about to do. The Most High spoke to the heart of the High Priest, inspiring him to place into the hands of each one of the young men, a dry stick, with the command that each ask his Majesty with a lively faith, to single out the one, whom He had chosen as the spouse of Mary. And as the sweet odour of her virtue and nobility, the fame of her beauty, her possessions and her modesty and her position as being the firstborn in her family, was known to all of them, each one coveted the happiness of meriting her as a spouse. Among them all, only the humble and most upright Joseph, thought himself unworthy of such a great blessing and remembering the vow of chastity, which he had made and resolving anew its perpetual observance, he resigned himself to God’s will, leaving it all to His disposal and being filled at the same time, with a veneration and esteem greater than that of any of the others, for the most noble maiden Mary. While they were thus engaged in prayer, the staff which Joseph held was seen to blossom and at the same time, a dove of purest white and resplendent with admirable light, was seen to descend and rest upon the head of the saint, while, in the interior of his heart, God spoke:
“Joseph, my servant, Mary shall be thy Spouse; accept Her with attentive reverence, for She is acceptable in my eyes, just and most pure in soul and body and thou, shalt do all that She shall say to Thee.”
At this manifestation and token from heaven, the Priests declared Saint Joseph as the Spouse selected by God Himself for the maiden Mary. Calling Her forth for her espousal, the chosen one issued forth like the sun, more resplendent than the moon, and She entered into the presence of all, with a countenance more beautiful than that of an angel, incomparable in the charm of her beauty, nobility and grace and the Priests espoused Her to the most chaste and holy of man, Saint Joseph.”
*From The City of God by Ven. Mary of Jesus of Agreda OIC (1602-1665) (a Franciscan abbess and spiritual writer, known especially for her extensive correspondence with King Philip IV of Spain and reports of her bilocation between Spain and its colonies in New Spain. She was a noted mystic of her era. A member of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Conceptionists, Mary of Jesus wrote 14 books, including a series of revelations about the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ven Mary of Jesus’ body is incorrupt. Less than ten years after her death, Mary of Jesus was declared Venerable by Pope Clement X, in honour of her “heroic life of virtue.” Although the process of beatification was opened in 1673, it has not as yet been completed.)
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Martyred in the Spanish Civil War • Blessed Alberto Linares de La Pinta • Blessed Jaume Trilla Lastra
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