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St. Joseph is the greatest of saints after Our Lady and he is the Patron of the Universal Church.
As we mentioned at the start of the St. Joseph Novena, St. Teresa of Avila was devoted to St. Joseph as a most powerful intercessor. Here is another of her reflections on St. Joseph;
'Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God. I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and honoured him by particular services who did not advance greatly in virtue: for he helps in a special way those souls who commend themselves to him. It is now very many years since I began asking him for something on his feast, and I have always received it. If the petition was in any way amiss, he rectified it for my greater good... I ask for the love of God that he who does not believe me will make the trial for himself - then he will find out from experience the great good that results from commending oneself to this glorious Patriarch and in being devoted to him' (Autobiography VI).
Of course, St. Teresa was not only devoted to St. Joseph for what he could provide. She loved him for who he was. How can we learn more about this great saint in order to deepen our devotion too?
About twelve years ago, some good friends gave us a copy of the book The Glories of St. Joseph from Traditions Monastiques. This has been a very important help to us in our spirituality as a married couple. We recommend it to anyone who is serious about following Christ in these difficult times and to anyone hoping to strengthen their marriages and families. The book contains a powerful 30-Day Prayer to St. Joseph, a daily Litany of St. Joseph and a wealth of practical teachings, theological treatises and stories of miracles and conversions wrought by this great saint.
Praying and reading this book was life-changing for us. It also helped us to learn that St. Joseph was no distant or plaster saint but a powerful intercessor. We discovered that he was the Just Man of Sacred Scripture and Tradition. As the Head of the Holy Family, he was a holy and strong father, leader, protector and provider. He helps those devoted to him to grow in holiness and virtue, as well as looking after their temporal interests; in so far as these aid their salvation.
As the Church and society struggle through trying times, we encourage all our readers to pray to St. Joseph and to cultivate sincere and loving devotion to him.
St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church - Pray for us!
