St. Teresa of Avila once said, “I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant…I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I have long experience of the great blessings which he can obtain from God. I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and who rendered him particular services who did not totally advance in virtue, for he gives very real help to souls who commend themselves to him.”
Who is this saint with such powerful intercession before God’s throne? He is St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus and patron of the Universal Church.
With little visibility in the Gospel narratives, St. Joseph hides in the shadows of Scripture and seemingly plays a small role in salvation history. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
One only has to think practically to appreciate the lofty role of St. Joseph in the life of Jesus and Mary. God entrusted His Son and the Blessed Mother to the care of this just man from Nazareth. No one ever had a greater treasure to protect.
Joseph faithfully took care of these treasures, both in the joyful moments as well as the crushing trials. Though deeply peaceful and perfect in their relationships with each other, the Holy Family did not experience the luxury of an untroubled life. After Christ’s birth, they were forced to flee into Egypt, a foreign country with a foreign religion and culture, seeking refuge from those who wished to kill the newborn King. When the 12-year-old Jesus stayed behind in the Temple, Joseph shared Mary’s worry and searched until he found Jesus.
As a carpenter, he provided for the material needs of Jesus and Mary. He worked humbly and with dedication, sanctifying his daily work by performing it for the love of God.
As a just man living with Jesus and Mary, Joseph possessed a profound understanding of prayer and the interior life.
He faithfully carried out his earthly vocation, but his mission continues. As patron of the Universal Church, said Pope Leo XIII, St. Joseph “shines among all mankind.” With Mary he protects souls and aids those in need.
He understands the trials and hardships that many families endure. He knows what it is like to seek employment, as he had to find work in Egypt to provide for his family. He knows the agony of fleeing from enemies and worrying for the family’s safety. He understands the daily burden of sweating to make a living. He is a real saint for real people.
Fathers and husbands look to him as an example, Mothers and wives pray to him for their men and boys. Single women ask him to find them good spouses. Consecrated religious seek his help in striving for fidelity to their vocations. Fatherless children find in him a father. Widows find in him strength and support.
For years I have cherished a prayer to St. Joseph that brings me great consolation and is worth sharing. I do not know who wrote it, nor where it came from, but it is a gem. Here are a few excerpts:
“I consecrate myself to thee, good St. Joseph, as my spiritual father; I choose thee to rule my soul and to teach me the interior life, the life hidden away with Jesus, Mary and yourself. Above all, I want to imitate the humble silence with which you shrouded Jesus, Mary and yourself, and even your own happiness…
“I consecrate myself to thee as my guide and model in all my duties so that I may learn meekness and humility: with meekness toward my brethren, my neighbor and all with whom I come in contact; with humility towards myself and simplicity before God. I choose thee, good Saint, as my counselor, my confidant and my protector in all my difficulties and trials. I do not ask to be spared crosses and sufferings, but only from self-love which might vitiate their value by making me vain over them. For myself, I shall honor and love and serve thee with Mary, my mother; never shall I separate her name from yours in my love…”
March is the month dedicated to St. Joseph. We have much to thank him for in intercession for our diocese.
In closing, I borrow the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “I only beg, for the love of God, that anyone who does not believe me will put what I say to the test, and he will see by experience what great advantages come from his commending himself to this glorious patriarch and having particular devotion to him.”
Sister Mary Raphael is a member of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother, a community dedicated to serving the spiritual and practical needs of the priesthood and of seminarians in the Diocese of Charlotte.