Solemnity of Saint Joseph | Happy Spring

In 1542, after months of suffering a debilitating illness, Saint Teresa of Jesus was miraculously healed and attributed this healing to the intercession of Saint Joseph and she turned to him as her spiritual father throughout her life stating that:

“To other saints, Our Lord seems to have given power to succor us in some special necessity, but to this glorious saint (I know by my experience), he has given the power to help us in all things. Our Lord would have us understand that, as he was subject to Joseph on earth—St. Joseph, bearing the title of his father and being his guardian, could command him—so now Our Lord in heaven grants all his petitions.”

In 1562, she founded the first discalced convent bearing the name Saint Joseph, entrusting the reform to his care.

It is a joy to have this saint, the foster father of Our Lord, as our patron, of the whole church, and in particular of the Hermitage of Saint Joseph. Without uttering a word, he has given us an example of perseverance in the face of temptation and of unwavering loyalty in the responsibilities to which we have been called. Christ was born into a world already waging war against Him, and in this precarious atmosphere fraught with danger, God entrusted to Joseph the role of protecting his family – the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Word incarnate. As members of Christ’s body we enter into the care of Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, who remains a good and faithful servant and protector of his Master’s household.

An Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph:
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy 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.

Signs of Spring

Looking back on the beautiful gift of snow while looking forward to warmer days

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And the fleeting radiance of winter morning skies

The days are becoming noticeably longer  and as the frigid claws of winter lose their grip  we find ourselves rapidly approaching the profound mystery of Holy Week.

We are not the only ones enjoying the spring weather!

All of creation awaits the future glory, the celebration of the great paschal mystery, and the wedding feast of the Lamb in eternity.