St. Joseph
Today is the Solemnity of St Joseph, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This solemnity has been honored since the end of the tenth century. It is a day to bless foods to be offered to the poor and needy.
Our St Joseph table has been filled twice with many donations of various types. It is a blessing to our food pantries and other organizations. Here is a link to Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter about St Joseph. It is very interesting reading.
Please take a few minutes to read this remarkable document. Our Pope has drawn out so many references to the life of St Joseph and how we might live in grace as St Joseph did.
A Novena to St Joseph
Oh, St Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, 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.
Oh, St Joseph, I never weary of 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 me. Amen
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen