I have a great love for St. Joseph and he has interceed for me and helped me & my family out in numerous situations.
From my own life I can vouch for the truth in the words of St. Thomas Aquinas:
"Some Saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking"
St. Theresa of Avila also said:
"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 experience, He has given the power to help us in all. Our Lord would have us understand that as He was subject to St. Joseph on earth-for St. Joseph bearing the title of father and being His guardian, could command Him- so now in Heaven Our Lord grants all his petitions. I have asked others to recommend themselves to St. Joseph and they, too, know the same thing by experience..."
I would urge you all to foster a love & devotion for St. Joseph because he showers graces and many Saints have suggested that, after Mary, St. Joseph especially honored in Heaven:
"I saw Heaven opened and St. Joseph sitting upon a magnificent throne. I felt myself wonderfully affected when, each time his name was mentioned, all the Saints made a profound inclination towards him, showing by the serenity and sweetness of their loos that they rejoiced with him on account of his exalted dignity." - St Gertrude.
So I enourage you all to have a great confidence in his intercession.
There is a pious custom often followed by Catholics to attach to an image of St. Joseph a little note with one's petitions written on it. The note serves as a continual petition to St. Joseph, much like a lighted candle before a sacred imagine. It also makes concrete, and thus strengthens, our confidence in St. Joseph -- and confidence obtains all.
There are many stories of Nuns who needed food for orphanages who obtained in abundance what they asked for in their petitions written to St. Joseph, and again I have experience of his wonderful help in all I ask.
In the words of Our Lady to Ven. Mary of Agreda:
"The children of the world are ignorant regarding the privileges and rights which the Most High has conferred on my holy spouse, and the power of his intercession with the Divine Majesty and with me. But I assure you, my daughter, that in Heaven he is most intimate with the Lord, and has great power to avert punishment of Divine justice from sinners. In all trials seek his intercession, because the Heavenly Father will grant whatever my spouse asks."
She continues
"On the Day of Judgment, the condemned will weep bitterly for not having realized how powerful and efficacious a means of salvation they might have had in the intercession of St. Joseph, and for not having done their utmost to gain the friendship of the Eternal Judge."
Finally, St. Joseph is the Patron of a Happy Death; what better a patron that one who himself died in the arms of Jesus and Mary?!
As St. Alphonsus Liguori says: "Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion to St. Joseph, that he may obtain for us a happy death."
So entrust your earthly worries and needs to St. Joseph: "Jesus Christ love him not only as a friend, but also as a father, and on this account his mediation is far more efficacious than that of any other Saint". - St. Alphonsus Liguori.
good article to St. Joseph
" Oh St. Joseph, whose protectuon 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 your powerful intercession and obtain for me all the spiritual blessings through your 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. "
1 comment:
I have a soft spot for St.Joseph too, have a great day and may God bless you x
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