Today is the second day of a nine day novena to the illustrious Saint Joseph which will end on his feast day, March 19th. As Foster Father of the Holy Family he certainly knows a thing or two about family life and takes an interest in our families. Don’t hesitate to call upon him. Saint Teresa of Avila said he never failed her.
[“Childhood of Christ,” c1620. Artist: Gerrit van Honthorst]
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.
Back in the Vietnam War when my eldest brother was in the Navy, my parents had a print shop in our home’s basement. Dad set up a hand press with the prayer and we printed thousands of these. My brother James gave them out to chaplains where ever they docked, from Japan to Australia. Once he asked for more and mom sent a few. And his next letter was 3 pages of that tissue type stationary they used and he block printed in huge letter I Mean Send Me More. They packed a box of a thousand and he came home with only one.
That is a very beautiful story Theresa. Thank you so much for sharing it. God bless your parents for making those cards and your brother James for distributing them. May dear Saint Joseph watch over all of us!
God bless!
Donna-Marie