St. Joseph, Pray for us

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St. Joseph is my patron saint this year and I find great comfort in that. What an awesome protector. I have read great saints' writings about St. Joseph, and it has been said that just as Jesus was obedient to Joseph on earth, so is He in heaven. What a powerful intercessor St. Joseph is for us.

O glorious St. Joseph, to you
God committed the care
of His only begotten Son
amid the many dangers of this world.
We come to you and ask you
to take under your special protection
the children God has given us.
Through holy baptism
they became children of God
and members of His holy Church.
We consecrate them to you today,
that through this consecration
they may become your foster children.
Guard them, guide their steps in life,
form their hearts
after the hearts of Jesus and Mary.



St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation
and worry of a parent
when the child Jesus was lost,
protect our dear children
for time and eternity.
May you be their father and counselor.
Let them, like Jesus,
grow in age as well as in wisdom
and grace before God and men.
Preserve them
from the corruption of his world,
and give us the grace one day
to be united with them in Heaven forever.

Amen.

For some family activities today, go to the domestic-church.com.

For some lovely coloring pages, go here.

If you don't have a St. Joseph altar, I think this is a lovely way to remember this special saint. I lit the candle next to my statue first thing this morning.

According to Faith & Family Women many Italians particularly revere St. Joseph (San Guiseppe) because a novena to this beloved saint resulted in Sicily being saved from famine (or some say drought). Many Italian-American families have altars to remember St. Joseph. Even if you're not Italian, find a special place in your home to revere Saint Joseph this year -- but his statue should soon be covered with purple cloth until after Easter. Go here to read about family altars (scroll down the page).

Stained glass window pictured is found in the Mother of Mercy Chapel at St. Charles Preparatory School, Columbus.

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