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The saint for March 19
Saint Joseph
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We know so little about Saint Joseph's daily life. We know that he responded without question to God's prompting. We know that he was "a just man", probably the Bible's highest compliment. Scripture always tells us what we need to know, and not one jot more. As humans we want to fill in the blanks. We want to know if he was young or old, if he had other children, how old was Jesus when he died.
The Bible is silent. Some we can know by context. We can imagine that if he were able, he would have been present at the Passion, so we conclude St. Joseph had already died. We know that as a just man, he must have been anguished at the appearance that his betrothed had betrayed him. We know that God would give many graces and gifts to the man He had hand-picked to be the foster father of His Only Son. So we can know that in Saint Joseph reside great strength, great love and great goodness, compassion, wisdom and prudence. We can be confident that Saint Joseph can be our strong and capable intercessor.
Prayer to Saint Joseph
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen.
The actual history of this prayer may be doubtful. It is piously believed to have been discovered very early in christian history, and to be an unfailing protection against every sort of danger, especially against sudden death. It has been, in the past a very popular novena prayer. In any event it is very old, and very beautiful.
Many great saints have relied on St. Joseph. St. Teresa of Avila used to say that he had never failed her. Didn't Jesus and Mary rely on him every day?
Patron of the Universal Church
Patron also of Families, Fathers, The Dying, Husbands, Workers, Married People, Househunters, Immigrants, Artisans, Unborn Children, Those in Doubt.
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| Pray to Saint Joseph for a Holy Death & for Every Need! |
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