March 2026

Jubilee Year of Saint Francis on the 800th Anniversary of His Death 

March is the month dedicated to Saint Joseph

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day 

First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Come, share your master's joy.

JOSEPH MOST STRONG,

MARY, MOTHER MOST ADMIRABLE,

SAINT FRANCIS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

HEART OF JESUS, TABERNACLE OF THE MOST HIGH,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Dear faithful readers, hold on to your hat it is already March. However, March is a glorious month dedicated to Saint Joseph. O dear Joseph, mirror of patience, pray for us. Before we commemorate faithful and prudent Saint Joseph on the 19th, we warm up with Saint Patrick on the 17th, the day when everybody is Irish. Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord is set for March 29, with Holy Week to follow. 

The weather in these parts has been here, there, and everywhere. If I recall correctly, we were hit by 10 inches of rain in a 24-hour period not so many days ago. And there was some snow not so many days ago too. Then there were some days of sun. Raining now as I write, it is humid and the daffodils have risen. Did I mention my banana slug sighting, and a little lizard sighting too? 

We find ourselves continuing on the Lenten journey. How is it going so far? Sometimes, with all our worthwhile intentions, we stumble early, ready to give up. Thanks be to God, our merciful Lord is ready. He holds out His hand to keep us from falling or pick us up if we have fallen. Just ask Our Lord for help. And while you are at it, ask His Mother too. She will wrap you in her protective veil. 

Now is the time to make an effort to be kind and compassionate to our neighbors, to those with whom we live, and work, and play, and bump into when we might prefer not to. We never know what people are coming from or going to. In fact, we never know the whole story about someone else. Ever. One of the best classes I ever had the privilege of taking was Pastoral Counseling, still taught by the same highly respected priest and psychologist. These words, as well as many others, remain: "You can try to walk in someone else's shoes, but remember, you will never walk in someone else's shoes." I just opened my copy of Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, renderings by Daniel Ladinsky. Here is a rendition of words attributed to Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380).

VULNERABLE

Vulnerable we are, like an infant.

We need each other's care

or we will

suffer.

Somehow, I think that is enough of an offering from my end. Or at least, there is plenty for me to reflect on this month. As far as our voices, they will come from here and there. After we hear a word or two, there is another long list of powerful saints to invoke, including Saint Vignal and Saint Duthac. 

To enter eternal life requires listening to Jesus, following Him on the way to the cross, carrying in our heart like Him the hope of the Resurrection.

(Pope Benedict XVI, 1927-2022)

I want nothing more than for my own will to be completely immersed in God's will. There is no greater pain than that of having offended Him , and thereby having wasted the time that He gave me to love and serve Him ... I am well aware that everything is for God, and that I can please Him with everything I do.

(Saint Maria Maravillas of Jesus, 1891-1974)

I will hear what the Lord God will speak within me, says a devout soul. Blessed is that soul who hears the Lord speaking within, and from His lips receives the words of comfort.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ, Book 1, Chapter 2)

It is useless to spend much time in talking; only a holy life and good conscience will ease your mind and satisfy your soul, enabling you to face God with confidence.

(Thomas a Kempis, 1380-1471, The Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Chapter 1)

In the preaching of the Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No one should be ashamed of the cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.

(From a sermon by Pope Saint Leo the Great, d. 461)

You were made in the image of God. If then you wish to resemble Him, follow His example. Since the very name you bear as Christians is a profession of love for men, imitate the love of Christ.

(From a homily by Saint Asterius of Amasea, bishop, d. 410)

I know you don't command the impossible. You know very well that never would I be able to love others as you love them, unless you, O my Jesus, loved them in me. Your will is to love in me all those you command me to love.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux, 1873-1897)

Our pilgrimage on earth cannot be exempt from trial. We progress by means of trial. No one knows himself except through trial, or receives a crown except after victory, or strives except against an enemy or temptations.

(From a commentary on the psalms by Saint Augustine, bishop, 354-430)

I ask you, my Lord, to feed me with your sweet grace, strengthen me with your pure love, surround me with your boundless mercy, and embrace me with your pure truth.

(Blessed Margaret Ebner, 1291-1351)

Yes, life is a treasure-each moment an eternity, an eternity of joy in heaven, an eternity of seeing God face to face, of being one with Him! There is only Jesus who is; all the rest is not. Let us love Him, then, unto folly; let us save souls for Him.

(Saint Therese of Lisieux)

You, Lady, are my all. In your hands has been stored for me the fulness of all good. With you have been hidden the unfailing treasures of truth and grace, of peace and pity, of salvation and wisdom, of glory and honor. You are my anchor amid the billows, comfort in grief. You are, for those who are yours, aid in oppression, help in time of crisis, temperance in prosperity, joy in time of waiting, refreshment in toil. Whatsoever I can stammer in your praise is less than your praise, for you are worthy of all praise. Yet am I bound to praise you.

(Adam of Perseigne, 1145-1221)

The lover of God never knows the words "too much." Those who accuse others of loving God or religion too much really do not love God at all, nor do they know the meaning of love.

(Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, 1895-1975)

SAINT KATHARINE DREXEL,

SAINT VIGNAL,

SAINT CASIMIR,

SAINT KIERAN,

POPE SAINT LUCIUS I, MARTYR,

SAINT JOHN JOSEPH OF THE CROSS,

SAINT COLETTE,

SAINT PERPETUA AND FELICITY,

SAINT DAVID,

SAINT CHAD,

BLESSED CHARLES THE GOOD, COUNT OF FLANDERS,

SAINT JOHN OF GOD,

SAINT SENAN, BISHOP,

SAINT DUTHAC,

SAINT FELIX,

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME,

SAINT JOHN OGILVIE,

SAINT THEOPHANES THE CHRONICLER,

SAINT SOPHRONIUS,

SAINT AENGUS,

SAINT CONSTANTINE,

SAINT RODERICK,

SAINT MATILDA, QUEEN OF GERMANY,

BLESSED JOHN ANNE,

VENERABLE JAN TYRANOWSKI,

SAINT JULIAN OF ANTIOCH,

SAINT PATRICK, BISHOP, MISSIONARY,

SAINT CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP, DOCTOR,

SAINT EDWARD THE MARTYR,

SAINT HERBERT,

SAINT CUTHBERT,

SAINT ENDA,

SAINT NICHOLAS OF FLUE "BRUDER KLAUS",

SAINT DEOGRATIAS,

BLESSED CLEMENS AUGUST GALEN,

SAINT NICHOLAS OWEN,

SAINT TURIBIUS OF MONGROVEJO,

SAINT CATHERINE OF SWEDEN,

SAINT MACARTAN,

SAINT MARGARET CLITEROW,

SAINT JOHN OF EGYPT,

SAINT RUPERT,

SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS,

BLESSED JANE OF TOULOUSE,

PRAY FOR US.

This month's photo: Joseph, being a just man ... 

© Gertrude Feick 2026

Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saints: Saint Balbina, Roman Matron, Foundress of the Roman Church Bearing Her Name (3rd century); Saint Benjamin, Deacon and Martyr (4th-5th century); Blessed Jane of Toulouse (13th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 49 The Observance of Lent

Mass: Jeremiah 20:10-13; Resp Ps 18; Jn 10:31-42 

I cried out to my God.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH, 

SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

TERROR OF DEMONS,

GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

PATRON OF THE DYING,

PRAY FOR US.

Sing to the Lord, praise the Lord, 

For He has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked!

(Jer 20:13)

During these last days of the Fifth Week of Lent as we prepare to enter Holy Week, we pray to the Lord to protect us and guide us so that we do what is needed to "look forward to holy Easter with joy and spiritual longing" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 49:7). Yesterday, Jesus hid from those who wanted to stone Him (see Jn 8:59). Today, he escapes from the power of those who try to arrest Him (see Jn 10:39). Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

On this last day of March 2023, the month devoted to Saint Joseph, we turn to Pope Pius IX (1792-1878) who, on December 8, 1870, in the document Quemadmodum Deus, declared Saint Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church. We continue to pray to Saint Joseph during these still most troublesome times, when the Church is beset by enemies on every side. Saint Joseph, protector of Holy Church, pray for us.

When in these most troublesome times the Church is beset by enemies on every side ... Pope Pius IX, in order to entrust himself and all the faithful to the Patriarch Saint Joseph's most powerful patronage ... has solemnly declared him Patron of the Catholic Church.

And from Pope Saint Paul VI, in a March 27, 1969, homily on the Feast of Saint Joseph:

The Church invokes [Saint Joseph] as her Patron and Protector through her unshakeable trust that he to whom Christ willed to confide the care and protection of His own frail human childhood, will continue from heaven to perform his protective task in order to guide and defend the mystical Body of Christ Himself, which is always weak, always under attack, always in a state of peril. Finally, we call upon Saint Joseph for the world, trusting that the heart of the humble working man of Nazareth, now overflowing with immeasurable wisdom and power, still harbors and will always harbor a singular and precious fellow-feeling for the whole of mankind. So may it be.

SAINT BALBINA,

SAINT BENJAMIN,

BLESSED JANE OF TOULOUSE,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: My cry to Him reached His ears.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 41 The Times for Meals

Mass: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a

The son of David will live forever.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. 

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

(Mt 1:16)

We are undoubtedly children of Mary, and this is our glory and consolation. But we are also adopted children of Saint Joseph and this is no small reason for the confidence that we have in him. Be silent patriarchs, be silent prophets, be silent apostles, confessors and martyrs. Let Saint Joseph speak, for this honor is his alone; he alone is the savior of his Savior.

(Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, d. 1850)

SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF HOLY CHURCH,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF ARTISANS,

SAINT JOSEPH, PILLAR OF FAMILIES,

SAINT JOSEPH, SUPPORT IN DIFFICULTIES,

SAINT JOSEPH, SOLACE OF THE WRETCHED,

SAINT JOSEPH, HOPE OF THE SICK,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This statue of Saint Joseph belongs to one of my brothers and his wife, people of deep faith. Saint Joseph, pillar of families, pray for us.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Wednesday of the First Week of Lent

The Month of March Devoted to Saint Joseph

Saint: Saint David of Wales (520-589); Pope Saint Felix III (5th century); Saint Albinus, Bishop of Angers (6th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 24 Degrees of Excommunication

Mass: Jonah 3:1-10; Resp Ps 51; Lk 11:29-32

Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF SNOWS,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, He repented of the evil that He had threatened to do to them; He did not carry it out.

(Jonah 3:10)

Welcome to the month of March devoted to Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church. We begin invoking the glorious patriarch today, and every day throughout the month. This month may be good one to look again at the Holy Father's Apostolic Letter Patris Corde With a father's heart. 

With Jonah presented in our first reading today, Queen Esther tomorrow, and Ezekiel on Friday, I have been thinking about prophets this morning. I think if God gave me the nod, I would join dear Jonah and run the other way. On the other hand, God has given me the nod just as he has given you and each member of the faithful the nod. We are called to witness to the faith in varied ways. Like Jonah though, there are days when we would prefer to run the other way. However, there is no escaping the hand of the Lord. Like it or not. We can run but we can't hide. Not my will, Lord, but yours be done. United in faith and prayer, we keep going.

SAINT DAVID OF WALES,

POPE SAINT FELIX III,

SAINT ALBINUS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Cast me not out from your presence.

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Friday before Epiphany

The Month of January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus

First Friday of the Month

Saint: Saint Andre Bessette, "Miracle Man of Montreal," Patron Saint of the Rejected (1845-1937)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Prologue 39-44 

Mass: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Resp Ps 147; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-38  

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. 

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US. 

JESUS, BRIGHTNESS OF ETERNAL LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, 

you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

(1 Jn 5:13)

We have yet another privilege before us today, that is, to commemorate a great saint, Saint Andre Bessette. A simple and humble man, Alfred Bessette, the future Andre, was born into a poor Quebec family in 1845. Both of his parents died when he was young, the family was split up, and Alfred, barely literate and physically weak from birth, wandered from job to job for years. At the age of 25, Alfred presented himself to the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Holy Cross in Montreal. Leary of his sickness, the brothers did not receive him, but prodded by the bishop, assigned him the humble job of porter at Notre Dame College. As porter, our dear Andre simply did the daily of washing floors and windows, cleaning lamps, carrying firewood, and so on. As Brother Andre used to say, "It is with the smallest brushes that the artists paint the most beautiful pictures." Andre just carried on and welcomed whoever came to the door, the sick, heartbroken, and anyone else for that matter, and invited them to pray to Saint Joseph. This went on for 25 years. Andre eventually built a chapel with help from friends and the money he earned from cutting students' hair. So, Andre was resourceful too, not unlike his dear Saint Joseph, guardian and protector. Andre died January 6, 1937, at the age of 91. It is said that a million people braved the bitter Montreal winter and filed past his coffin. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him on October 17, 2010, and preached this: "For him, everything spoke of God, and of God's presence. May we, in his footsteps, seek God with simplicity in order to discover him ever present in the heart of our life! May the example of Bro. Andre inspire Canadian Christian life!"* Amen.

Do not seek to have your trials removed, ask rather for the grace to bear them well.

(Brother Saint Andre Bessette)

SAINT ANDRE BESSETTE,

PRAY FOR US.

*See Catholic News Agency, "St. Andre Bessette"; "Homily of His Holiness Benedict XVI," October 17, 2010, www.vatican.va; Congregation of the Holy Cross, holycrosscongregation.org. 

Today's photo: Here is another one from Monday afternoon. While my pot of Borscht was simmering, I went on the prowl for photos. 

© Gertrude Feick 2023

Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

O Adonai!

In other years: Saint Flannan, Bishop (7th century)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank

Mass: Is 7:10-14; Resp Ps 24; Rm 1:1-7; Mt 1:18-24

Let the Lord enter; He is the king of glory.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

SAINT JOSEPH, CHASTE GUARDIAN OF THE VIRGIN,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

To all the beloved ... called to be holy.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Rm 1:7)

Welcome to December 18 and the Fourth Sunday of Advent. We continue our countdown to the Nativity of the Lord and celebrate O Adonai and Leader of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the flames of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai; come and redeem us with outstretched arm. We turn to Saint Joseph who did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt 1:24). Saint Joseph, most strong; Saint Joseph, most obedient; Saint Joseph, support in difficulties; Saint Joseph, protector of the holy Church, pray for us.

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

(From a 19th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Every day, for over 40 years, Pope Francis has recited this prayer after Lauds)

In this last week of preparation for the celebration of Christmas things may get hectic. United in faith and prayer, we turn to the Gospel of Saint Matthew and remember God is with us (Mt 1:23). And Meister Eckhart (1260-1328) has something to say about that. 

When the human spirit is ready, God enters without hesitating or waiting. You need not look either here or there. God is no farther away than the door of your heart.

(Meister Eckhart)

SAINT FLANNAN,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Decked out and set for the Fourth Week. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

© Gertrude Feick 2022

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Father's Day

World Refugee Day

In other years: Saints Alban, Julius and Aaron; The Irish Martyrs (16th-17th century)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 16 The Celebration of the Divine Office During the Day

Mass: Job 38:1, 8-11; Resp Ps 107; 2 Cor 5:14-17; Mk 4:35-41

Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.

SAINT JOSEPH, FOSTER FATHER OF THE SON OF GOD,

SAINT JOSEPH, HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY,

JOSEPH MOST FAITHFUL,

PRAY FOR US.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers. Invoke Saint Joseph today. He will help you. Dear Joseph, most chaste, most prudent, most strong, pray for us. 

It is the love of Christ that impels us, says Saint Paul (2 Cor 5:17). Why is it then that when we (I like to think there are others in the boat with me) have worries, anxieties, and difficulties that come with the waves, winds, and currents of our daily lives, we go to others instead of going straight to Jesus for help? You might think, along with the disciples in today's Gospel, that Our Lord has fallen asleep. Well, don't be shy to wake Him up. It may not be that Jesus is asleep, He might just be resting His eyes, or rather, He might be waiting for you to call on Him for help. Call on the Name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. Listen to Jesus: Quiet! Be still! (Mk 4:39). Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. May we be filled with great awe.

THEY REJOICED THAT THEY WERE CALMED,

AND HE BROUGHT THEM TO THEIR DESIRED HAVEN.

LET THEM GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HIS KINDNESS

AND HIS WONDROUS DEEDS TO CHILDREN OF MEN.

(Resp Ps 107)

Invisible in His own nature [God] became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, He chose to come within our grasp.

(Saint Leo the Great, 400-461)

Let us learn to cast our hearts into God.

(Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, 1090-1153)

So, abandon yourself utterly for the love of God, and in this way you will become truly happy. 

(Blessed Henry Suso, 1300-1366)

SAINTS ALBAN, JULIUS AND AARON,

THE IRISH MARTYRS,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Late yesterday afternoon beauty in yellow.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Saint Joseph the Worker

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide

First Saturday of the Month

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love" 

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 73 This Rule Only a Beginning of Perfection

Mass: Acts 13:44-52; Resp Ps 98; Jn 14:7-14

Optional memorial: Gn 1:26-2:3 or Col. 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Resp Ps 90; Mt 13:54-58

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

JOSEPH, MODEL OF WORKERS,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome to the First Saturday of the Month and the Optional Memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker. As a friendly reminder, and as already included in last Tuesday's reflection, the commemoration of Saint Joseph the Worker was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955. Today is an especially good day to "go to Joseph" (Gn 41:55) for intercession. One way to begin and be encouraged is by re-reading the December 8, 2020, Apostolic Letter of Pope Francis, Patris Corde With a Father's Heart. As written there, the aim of the letter "is to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and zeal." The following are two prayers, also already included in previous reflections. The first was made "famous" by Pope Leo XIII in 1889. The second has been prayed by Pope Francis every day for over 40 years after Lauds. The prayer, taken from a 19th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary, expresses devotion and trust, and even poses a certain challenge to Saint Joseph (Patris Corde, endnote 10). Lastly, whatever you are about today, why not go at it inspired by the words of Saint Paul: Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance of your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ (Col. 323-24). 

Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. As you once rescued the child Jesus from deadly peril, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under your patronage, that, following your example and strengthened by your help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in heaven.

Amen.

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power. Amen. 

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF WORKERS,

SAINT JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF THE REDEEMER,

SAINT JOSEPH, PATRON OF A HAPPY DEATH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: This photo was included last year on this feast. This lovely statue is in the home of a faithful reader who happens to be one of my brothers. 

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Eastertide

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love" 

Other saints: Saint Rafael Arnaiz Baron, Oblate O.C.S.O. (1911-1938); Saint Asicus (-c. 490); Saint Maughold, Bishop (c.4th-5th century); Bl. Hosanna of Kotor OP (1493-1565)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 69 The Presumption of Defending Another in the Monastery

Mass: Acts 11:19-26; Resp Ps 87; Jn 10:22-30

Alleluia!

JESUS, TRUE LIGHT,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

May the words of Barnabas in today's account from the Acts of the Apostles, encourage us as they did the nascent Church in Antioch: Remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart (Acts 11:23). By our witness may a large number of people be added to the Lord (Acts 11:24).

Included here for our time spent in prayer and reflection, especially during this Year of Saint Joseph and in preparation for the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker (instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and celebrated May 1), is a prayer to Saint Joseph by Pope Leo XIII. It comes at the conclusion of his encyclical Quamquam pluries, given August 15, 1889. Pope Leo XIII intended the prayer to the be added to the end of the rosary, especially during the month of October. That said, it can be prayed "any day of the Year of Saint Joseph, but especially on his various feast days or other devotional days dedicated to Saint Joseph" [United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website]. 

Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. As you once rescued the child Jesus from deadly peril, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under your patronage, that, following your example and strengthened by your help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in heaven.

Amen.

Saint Joseph, intercede for us so that we, like you, may remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart.

SAINT RAFAEL ARNAIZ BARON,

SAINT ASICUS,

SAINT MAUGHOLD,

BLESSED HOSANNA OF KOTOR,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

N.B. If interested in reading Pope Leo XIII's Quamquam pluries, you will find it on www.vatican.va. In addition, the USCCB website has historical information as well as information about the use of the prayer and indulgences. To look further into indulgences, please refer to your trusty Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), 1471-1479.

Today's photo: This sweet rose greeted me on Locust Street in Garberville, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2021

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink
Mass: 2 Sam 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

December 18

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 63:1-9 Community Rank
Mass: Jr 23:5-8; Resp Ps 72; Mt 1:18-25

He named him Jesus.

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

SOLEMNITY OF SAINT JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Readings of the day: RB 19 The Proper Amount of Drink to be Provided

Mass: 2 S 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

When Joseph awoke,

he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife into his home.

While reflecting on today’s feast, I was struck by the words of St Bernardine of Siena from the Office of Readings:

There is a general rule concerning all special graces granted to any human being. Whenever the divine favor 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 fulfill the task at hand.

Inspired, I turned to the Catechism where I read this about the gifts of the Holy Spirit: First, ‘They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them.’ Second, ‘They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations’ (1831). I’ve been thinking about the virtues of Joseph. These come to mind: gentleness, patience, humility, strength of character, discretion, and prudence. What are others? What gifts of the Holy Spirit did Joseph need to fulfill his task at hand? It seems to me dear Joseph needed all seven—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. 

Let us ask St Joseph to intercede for us so that we accept our given vocations and be docile to the Holy Spirit. May we be adorned with all the gifts we need to fulfill the task at hand. 

Dear fathers, happy Feast of St Joseph!

Follow his example when caring for your children as they grow up in wisdom and grace.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, March 19, 2018)