As I knelt before the altar, the painting’s inscription grabbed my heart, “Go to Joseph.” Simple, yet profound. How many times over the years had I “gone to Joseph,” pleading with him that a request be worthy of yet another miracle?
Very little is written in the Bible about this great man, but that has not dampened his popularity. Our own son and a nephew, born just three months apart, bear his name. Scripture tells us that was a “righteous man” (Matt: 1:18). We also read how an angel told Joseph take Mary as his wife because the child she carried was of the Holy Spirit. (Matt: 1:18-20). Later an angel informed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt, (Matt: 2:13).
To me, St. Joseph has been a protector: protector of the faith, guardian of children, and shield of married couples. He is also the “watchful defender of Christ, protector of Holy Church, pillar of families,” according to the Litany of St. Joseph.
He who protected the Christ Child is entrusted with the task of protecting us. He is also the pillar of the family.
For instance, I had big Catholic ideas when we were first married. We would live a holy life going to mass, saying the rosary, attending retreats and serving the poor. It was going to be a wonderfully sacred life. However, God had the right meaning of holy and it didn’t match mine.
I didn’t realize having unity in marriage would take a lot of work and dying to self, but it sure did.
That is why I am so grateful to be friends with St. Joseph. He is the pillar of the Holy Family. So when we as a family lack the virtues that make us holy, I call frequently on St. Joseph to aid us. I lean on my pillar of strength, St. Joseph.
As my children grew, I constantly put them under the care of St. Joseph. When our son Joseph had obstacles to overcome, I put him in St. Joseph’s hands, reminding him of his namesake.
Miracles abound when we “go to Joseph.” A friend said she prayed constantly to find a husband like St. Joseph. One day while in church, she met her future husband who was of course named Joseph and shared his virtues.
Others also implore the power of St. Joseph under different titles.
St. Joseph enjoys many, but the one that seems pressing today is Patron of the Universal Church. Dr. Mark Miravalle, permanent deacon, author, and theology professor, said the Litany of St. Joseph claims him “terror of demons.” Miravalle said humility and charity are “the greatest obstacles” to pride and the demons of Satan in his CD, “St. Joseph, the patron of the Universal Church.”
He suggests we implore St. Joseph to protect the two institutions under attack today: the universal church and the domestic church.
I also love that he is protector of the Holy Church. Since he protected Christ, it follows that he would protect his Holy Catholic Church. We need not look far to see the attacks on our church today, from empty pews to scandals to attacks on traditional marriage and family.
Some prefer his title, “St. Joseph, the worker” when searching for employment. He always seems to find the right job for us.
This just man enjoys these feastdays: St. Joseph, husband of Mary, March 19, and St. Joseph the worker, May 1. I also include the feast of the Holy Family, celebrated the first Sunday after Christmas. You have three chances yearly to celebrate your love for St. Joseph.
So when you need powerful prayers answered, “GO TO JOSEPH!” You’ll be glad you did.
Copyright 2014, Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell, from Chicago, is a devout Catholic who likes to mix the divine truth with humor. She thinks it's the only way we can get through this life! Mary is the mother of three and has been married to her husband, Philip, more than 20 years. She has attempted to live the vows as a Secular Franciscan for about 20 years, but has a long way to go.
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