He loved his family and died surrounded by their loving presence. His feast day is today, March 19. He is considered the patron of the universal Catholic Church, fathers, social justice, and a happy death.
The man is St. Joseph, a man whose life’s story is relatively unknown, even in Scripture. Still, he plays a large role in the history of the Catholic Church and in the lives of the people who honor him. Considering the decision he was faced with, Joseph’s faith was most profound, and he is an example of faith for all of us.
We learn from those who came before us. Joseph teaches us that a deep faith allows us to be open to God’s Word, to make the difficult decisions to follow God’s Word, and to know that God will be with us when we act on those decisions. That is what faith is all about.
PRAYER 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 close 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.”
Sister Pat is a member of the RENEW staff, a Dominican Sister, and loves working with Young Adults as the program manager of Theology on Tap.