To Saint Joseph on Labor Day Eve

Poor St. Joseph, he is one of the greatest saints in the Church, but so often overlooked. I just reviewed several of my books about selected saints and not one mentioned St. Joseph. Perhaps they assume devotion to the foster father of Jesus and choose to focus on the lesser known servants of God.

Whatever the reason, I think we need to reflect every day on dear St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death. Since all of us are moving in that direction, prudence dictates friendship with this "just man." Please, St. Joseph, be at my bedside when I am preparing to meet my God.

St. Joseph says not one word in the gospels; he is the silent man of action. An angel speaks in a dream and he immediately obeys taking Mary as his wife. He rises in the night to hasten on the journey into Egypt for the Christ child's safety. Once again roused in a dream, he hurries to make the return journey to Nazareth and the hidden life.

Imagine St. Joseph in the rough carpenter shed where he cuts and planes and smooths the wood. Imagine him guiding the little hands of Jesus, teaching him the craft. Imagine him thanking Mary for the humble meals she sets before him and leading his little family in the Sabbath prayers.

I want to know St. Joseph better. If Mary is our mother, he is indeed a good father with advice and guidance for his spiritual chidren. On this Labor Day, let us turn to St. Joseph and ask him to help us work well, always hurrying, as he did, to do God's will with all our hearts..

MEMORARE to St. Joseph
Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.

To all you Joe's -- Happy Feast Day!

I have to smile when I think that Joe the Plumber has St. Joseph the worker as his special friend and patron saint. But St. Joseph belongs to all the regular Joes who are fathers as well -- and all foster fathers -- named Tom, Dick, or Harry. They can all claim him for a friend and mentor. St. Joseph has a carpenter's tent big enough for every man no matter who his other patrons are. And what a model he is - real man's man: strong, patient, courageous enough to leave town with his family at night on a road commonly traveled by robbers. No arguments with God, just a hasty response to God's will. Scripture tells us he's a "just man," no small feat in any age. He says not one word in Scripture, but his faithful presence and his prompt obedience to God's will speak volumes.

The following prayer was reportedly found in 50 A.D. It can be prayed as a nine or thirty-day novena and would be particularly appropriate to pray with those in danger of death. Remember that St. Joseph is also the patron of a good death. What a friend to have beside you in your final hours!

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O 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. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your 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 us. Amen

Imprimatur
Most Rev. George W. Ahr
Bishop of Trenton