AD TE BEATE IOSEPH
MONTH OF ST. JOSEPH DEVOTION
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OPENING PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray: O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy his consolations, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.
PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: Most pure and most loving spouse of the glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, Mother of God and Queen of Heaven and earth, I know that you are pleased with the praise offered your most holy spouse, and that you are pleased that in your name, and to thank him what he did for you, I offer him my homage and resort to his most powerful intercession. Animated by this confidence, I come during this month to honor your most chaste spouse, together with Jesus your son, and also with you who have the honor and glory of our holy protector as your own.
Because of how much you love him, and because of all that he did for you in life, I beg you to teach me how to worthily oblige him, and to unite your supplications and those of your spouse with mine, so that you may make them effective, so that in this month I may be consoled, increased in graces and virtues, and helped in my needs. Amen.
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH: Most holy Patriarch, head of the earthly trinity, support of the weak and comforter of the afflicted, deign to listen to my humble supplications, and obtain for me the grace that I ask and expect from your protection. To whom, if not you, did Jesus turn when on earth he needed something? And what name did he invoke when he saw himself in danger, if not yours, most powerful and admirable Joseph? In you, husband of the Queen of Heaven, nourishing father of God made man, Our Lady had all her trust when she lived in this world. We know well that you do not now lack the power that you had at first, but that it has been magnified for you in Heaven. Therefore, I hope with all confidence that my prayers will be answered, and that you will also obtain for me the grace to take make full use of this devotion to you. Amen.
CLOSING PRAYER FOR EACH DAY
Glorious Saint Joseph, loved and distinguished by the Most Holy Trinity, who delights in you, obeyed and respected by the same Only Begotten Son of God, who called you his Father, and listened to with respect and submission by the Queen of Angels and Saints, we seek your presence to implore you to regard our supplications. I bring my prayers before you today, and hope, by the grace of God, to return every day of this month, full of confidence in your extraordinary protection. May my confidence in you grow which each passing day.
You do not lack power because the Almighty has granted that you may intercede for me. You are not lacking love either, because I am a little child of Mary and the brother of Jesus and, therefore, I am your child also. Let not my faults and imperfections be an obstacle to your great mercy. If my sins make me unworthy of being heard, your love and your goodness are immeasurably greater, and you will not disregard me. Hear me, Saint Joseph, in you I hope, and I will not be disappointed. Amen.
MARCH 1: THE GREATNESS OF SAINT JOSEPH
1. Saint Joseph bore the name of the Father of Jesus on earth, he had the life of the God-Man in his care, he was the trustee and guardian of the purity of the Virgin Mary.
2. Saint Joseph was elected and predestined to these highest of offices by the same God, who makes no mistakes.
3. Saint Joseph fulfilled these offices to God's satisfaction.
FRUIT: Let us do well in what we must do.
ASPIRATION: Give me, Saint Joseph, the grace to know the end for which I was created.
In honor of the seven sorrows and joys of Saint Joseph: Our Father (x7), Hail Mary (x7), Glory Be (x7).
MEMORARE: Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, Virgin Father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.
DAY 2: HOLINESS OF SAINT JOSEPH
1. Saint Joseph was born holy, because he was sanctified in his mother's womb.
2. Saint Joseph was holy, because he lived with the Incarnation of Holiness, and learned holiness directly from Jesus.
3. Saint Joseph was to appear on earth as the father of holiness, he was to resemble the holiness of Christ! What a saint and model of saints!
FRUIT: Fulfill well the obligations of our state in life.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, witness of the holiness of Jesus, make me a saint.
DAY 3: PURITY OF SAINT JOSEPH
1. Saint Joseph took a vow of chastity by dedicating his body to God. Such purity that would rank alongside the purity of Christ!
2. Saint Joseph is very pure in soul, which is beautiful company for the souls of Jesus and Mary.
3. Saint Joseph is very pure in his intentions. He always lived in the presence of God and knew by faith that the secrets of his heart and the intentions of his soul were not hidden from Jesus.
FRUIT: Do everything with a holy intention.
ASPIRATION: Most pure Joseph, help me to imitate you in your virtue of purity.
DAY 4: NAME OF SAINT JOSEPH
1. Joseph's name is the name that God gave him, it is a proper name that produced in him what it meant, that is, “God will increase”.
2. It is the name that Jesus and Mary, the Mother of God, invoked in life as their support and resource.
3. It is a name loved by Jesus and Mary and which in the devotions of the Church is always united with these two most holy names.
FRUIT: In temptations, invoke the most sweet names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, teach me to always grow in your virtues and perfection.
DAY 5: BETROTHAL OF SAINT JOSEPH
1. Saint Joseph deserved the Blessed Virgin Mary more than any other man! What virtues and what merits this election of God presupposes!
2. Saint Joseph resembled Mary in her holiness more than any other, and so God, uniting them in this state, created a perfect marriage!
3. Saint Joseph, the was happiest husband on earth because he was loved by the most perfect and loving of wives.
FRUIT: To be very diligent in your state of life.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, help me to love your spouse as you do.
DAY 6: HEAD OF THE HOLY FAMILY
1. Saint Joseph is the superior and head of the family, whom Mary, Mother of God, and Jesus, the true God, obey. What a beautiful dignity!
2. Saint Joseph commands with love and governs with zeal, where the governed is the one who govern all creatures.
3. With his sweat and work, Saint Joseph made Jesus and Mary comfortable and happy.
FRUIT: Diligently fulfill your obligations at home.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, humble superior of Jesus, teach me to obey God’s law.
DAY 7: SAINT JOSEPH AND THE INCARNATION
1. Saint Joseph was perplexed, noticing Mary's condition, but being fair, he did not suspect wrong, but out of humility he imagined that he should separate from Mary.
2. The angel, in the name of God, invites Saint Joseph to participate in the mystery of the Incarnation of Christ. What a joy and what an honor!
3. The angel gives Saint Joseph the task of giving the Incarnate God the name by which he would be known: the most holy name of Jesus. What joy knowing that he would care for the Savior of the world!
FRUIT: Beware of suspicions and rash judgments.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, help me to draw closer to Jesus my savior.
DAY 8: JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
1. By obeying a whimsical order from the monarch of the earth, Saint Joseph is set on a difficult and dangerous path. What an example of obedience!
2. Saint Joseph knew that Mary was not obliged to obey that order, especially due to Our Lady's condition, and yet he obeyed with punctuality and holy resignation.
3. Saint Joseph obeys with the sacrifice of self-love, seeing his wife suffer. He suffers with bodily sacrifice, but obeys the authorities. He is a law-abiding citizen.
FRUIT: To obey our legitimate superiors in all things but harm or sin.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph model of obedience, teach me humility.
DAY 9: TRIBULATIONS IN BETHLEHEM
1. Arriving at Bethlehem the Holy Family, after a very painful journey, find there is no room for them at the inn. All doors are closed to them. Holy Mary, who carries God in her womb, is ready to give birth!
2. Saint Joseph and Mary retreat to a den of animals, where, in the cold of night, Jesus, the King of Glory, is born! After being born he is laid in an animal feeding trough as his cradle.
3. Jesus, who would one day say: “Blessed are the poor”, was already preaching poverty by example!
FRUIT: Avoid, with the greatest care, occasions of mortal sin, which closes the doors of our hearts to God.
ASPIRATION: My blessed Saint Joseph give me your poor Jesus, let him be born by divine grace, in my heart.
DAY 10: BIRTH OF CHRIST
1. After all trouble, Jesus is born. Saint Joseph sees what his ancestors longed to see, but didn’t. Behold whom the prophets foretold! Look upon the Savior!
2. The Blessed Virgin Mary takes Jesus in her arms, presses him against her heart, kisses him and is ecstatic with her God. A moving scene for Saint Joseph to behold!
3. Hear the praises of the angels and rejoice in the music they sing to Jesus! What a satisfaction for Saint Joseph!
FRUIT: Seek Jesus fervently.
ASPIRATION: Nurturing Father of Jesus, make me known to my God.
Day 11: FRUITS OF BIRTH
1. The angels sing hymns in the air in which they sing "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will." Jesus began to produce the effects of his coming.
2. The angels announced the news of great joy to the shepherds: that a Savior was born to them who would save all the people. And Saint Joseph is the guardian and trustee of this Savior.
3. The humble and fervent shepherds came to adore the King of Heaven, who is lying quietly in the straw. Saint Joseph is overjoyed at seeing Jesus being adored!
FRUIT: Make spiritual communion and wish that Jesus would do in us what he did for everyone at his birth.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, make of my heart a living nativity scene in which little Jesus rests.
DAY 12: THE CIRCUMCISION
1. What torment for the heart of Saint Joseph to see the tender flesh of Jesus cut, and the blood of Jesus flow, in the circumcision!
2. Saint Joseph named the boy Jesus, known as “Savior of the world”, and knows that he will one day save his people!
3. The blood that Christ shed in circumcision was enough to save the world. Will it not serve to soften your heart?
FRUIT: Pronounce the name of Jesus frequently and fervently.
ASPIRATION: Most fervent Joseph, help me to know Jesus and to love him fervently.
DAY 13: THE EPIPHANY
1. Princes from the East arrive at the cave of Bethlehem, guided by a star. God never fails anyone in the knowledge of the truth, and all creatures in his hands are fit instruments for this.
2. These princes, unimpressed with human respects, ask Herod where the true King of the Jews is born: God rewards their diligence by allowing them to find Jesus.
3. They offer Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh as he is God, king, and man. What a joy for Saint Joseph to see Christ honored and adored in this way!
FRUIT: Seek Jesus and his will at all costs.
ASPIRATION: Most happy Joseph, who always beheld Christ, show me Jesus.
DAY 14: THE PURIFICATION
1. Saint Joseph hears the prophet praising Jesus and recognizing him as God, Messiah and Savior of the world! What happiness for those who love him so much!
2. Saint Joseph hears that his little Jesus will one day be the occasion of ruin for many and the target of contradiction. Jesus the Savior, the God, the innocent one!
3. Saint Joseph also hears that Mary, his blameless spouse, will have her heart pierced by a painful sword of sorrow. Saint Joseph who loves her so much can’t bare the thought!
FRUIT: Putting aside human respect to follow Christ and his religion.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, purify, my heart and make it worthy of Jesus.
DAY 15: FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
1. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and ordered him to go to Egypt with Jesus and Mary. Saint Joseph, without replying, obeys.
2. What circumstances on that trip! It happens spontaneously in the dead of night, carrying the newborn Jesus, but there goes the obedient Saint Joseph!
3. Thus, however, Joseph delivers Jesus that, even in exile, he will be safe and always at his side. What a joy to always be with God!
FRUIT: Flee from occasions of sinning.
ASPIRATION: Do not allow me, Saint Joseph, to separate myself from Jesus.
DAY 16: LIFE IN EXILE
1. Saint Joseph arrives in Egypt and sees the idols topple before Christ! God is known. That's enough for Saint Joseph.
2. He suffers exile from the Holy Land, and the temple in Jerusalem, as God so determines. God is everywhere and he can be worshiped everywhere, when his divine Majesty so desires.
3. In Egypt the little Jesus would have spoken his first words, calling Saint Joseph “father”. What immense joy for his heart!
FRUIT: To banish earthly affections from the heart, to keep it only for Jesus.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, allow me to call you, like Jesus: my dear father.
DAY 17: RETURN FROM EGYPT
1. The angel appeared to Saint Joseph again, ordering him in the name of God to return to his homeland.
2. With what joy Saint Joseph left the exile of Egypt and returned to his homeland!
3. What a satisfaction to return to the Holy Land, to the city of Jerusalem, to the people of God!
FRUIT: In adversity always turn to God.
ASPIRATION: Blessed Saint Joseph, defend Jesus within me when I am tempted by the devil.
DAY 18: SORROW OF THE JOURNEY HOME
1. Saint Joseph is aware that Archelaus now rules instead of Herod. Is he too seeking to kill the Christ?
2. Saint Joseph, reassured by the angel, sets out on the journey to Nazareth. How Saint Joseph suffers with the discomfort of his delicate wife and the Son of God, still a child!
3. What a pain to see the malice of men and the anger they still harbor against Jesus.
FRUT: Remember the presence of God in adversity.
ASPIRATION: Defend, O Joseph, Jesus within us against the snares of our enemies.
DAY 19: SAINT JOSEPH IN NAZARETH
1. In Nazareth, Jesus and Mary have a home, they are in their own land, and they have amenities. What a joy for Saint Joseph who loved Jesus and Mary so much!
2. They live in Nazareth, where God became incarnate in the womb of the Virgin those seven years ago!
3. In their home, Joseph will be able to dedicate himself in peace to taking care of his dear Jesus and Mary!
FRUIT: Take advantage of the moments of peaceful conscience to progress in virtue.
ASPIRATION: O most provident Guardian of Jesus, preserve in my heart the tranquility of my spirit.
DAY 20: THE HOLY FAMILY
1. In Nazareth, Saint Joseph always lives in the company of Jesus and Mary and does not separate from them, nor do they, in turn, separate from Saint Joseph.
2. In this holy house, Joseph dedicated himself exclusively to serving Jesus and Mary. For them he works, for them he earns his bread. What happiness to be the servant of God and his mother!
3. In Nazareth Jesus and Mary serve Saint Joseph. The only servants in that house where Saint Joseph was the boss were Jesus and Mary. Blessed be the servants of Saint Joseph!
FRUIT: Work to preserve unity and friendship with people at home.
ASPIRATION: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, give my family patience and charity.
DAY 21: JESUS IS LOST
1. Going to Jerusalem to fulfill a religious duty, Joseph and Mary lose Jesus. Such a terrible test!
2. Three whole days without Jesus, in people for whom Jesus is life and breath, was the most frightening pain imaginable!
3. To think what could have happened to Jesus, what an abandoned child could suffer, was an inexplicable pain. To think whether it was Saint Joseph’s fault, or negligence, was a most excruciating torment!
FRUIT: Detach yourself from worldly things and be careful not to lose Jesus.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, give me Jesus, and that will be enough for me.
DAY 22: JESUS IS FOUND
1. Meanwhile, in the temple, after three days of excruciating anxiety, Saint Joseph find Jesus healthy, safe, honored. What a joyful relief!
2. Gaze upon the twelve-year-old Jesus teaching as a divine master, and those venerable teachers in Israel astounded by him!
3. Mary on this occasion refers to Saint Joseph in public as the father of Jesus, and Jesus does not correct her. What an honor and what a satisfaction for Joseph to be recognized as the father of God!
FRUIT: In all anxieties, let us resort to prayer.
ASPIRATION: When we no longer know where to direct our eyes, you always stay with us, our good father Joseph, as our refuge and support.
DAY 23: DOMESTIC LIFE
1. Jesus found in the temple, returned to the house of Nazareth and continued to obey Joseph and Mary until the age of thirty.
2. Jesus grew each day in wisdom and grace, and, following his example, Saint Joseph also grew in virtue.
3. Saint Joseph sanctified himself in his humble office of husband, father, and worker, and Mary divinely progressed in virtue, fulfilling with all zeal her domestic work.
FRUIT: Love your home life and serve your family well.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, servant of Jesus, help me find Jesus even in my domestic duties.
DAY 24: SAINT JOSEPH AT WORK
1. One of the great everyday miracles we know of, is for people to be able to work to support their families. And so this too was a miracle for Saint Joseph who worked hard to support Jesus and Mary.
2. Saint Joseph worked for Jesus and Mary, and thus the work never seemed too heavy. Our burdens would also become lighter if we did everything for love of Jesus!
3. Saint Joseph was always happy with his humble lot, he never yearned for riches. If God wants us poor, why would we want to change our condition?
FRUIT: Take advantage of time working on fulfilling our obligations, in good conscience.
ASPIRATION: Give me, Saint Joseph, to know the price of time and the value of grace.
DAY 25: LOVE FOR JESUS AND MARY
1. One could not love Jesus and Mary more than Saint Joseph, because he is the person most closely united to them on earth and in Heaven.
2. Saint Joseph loved Jesus and Mary most fervently, because they were his only concern.
3. Saint Joseph loved Jesus and Mary with all love possible, because he loved them naturally and supernaturally: as his son and as his wife, as his God and as the Mother of God.
FRUT: Remember that anything that does not show love for God is not worth your time.
ASPIRATION: Beloved Joseph, teach me to love Jesus and Mary as you loved them.
DAY 26: LOVE FOR SAINT JOSEPH
1. Jesus, who did not deny Saint Joseph the title of father, did not deny him the love of a son either. What immense love is the love of Jesus!
2. Mary, true wife of Saint Joseph, loved her husband as he can love the most faithful of wives and as he knows how to love the Mother of God.
3. Jesus and Mary loved Joseph with gratitude for the benefits received from his care.
FRUIT: Do not care for anything about the love of the world. May God be with you, even though the world is contrary.
ASPIRATION: Make me your friend, Saint Joseph, to be a friend of Jesus and Mary.
DAY 27: SAINT JOSEPH THE JUST MAN
1. The Gospel says of Saint Joseph, that he is a just man. He was certainly fair in everything while following the law.
2. He was a just man because he had all virtues in the highest degree.
3. He was right with God, serving him faithfully, right with men, and right with himself.
FRUIT: Let us imitate Saint Joseph in keeping charity in our thoughts, words and deeds.
ASPIRATION: O Joseph, qualified as righteous by the Holy Spirit, teach me righteousness and holiness.
DAY 28: SAINT JOSEPH FAITHFUL SERVANT
1. Saint Joseph deserved to be constituted over the Holy Family because he was faithful in God's service.
2. Saint Joseph served Jesus and Mary with his mind, heart, strength, body and work. He was a most faithful servant of God.
3. Saint Joseph worked for Jesus and Mary as someone who did not belong to himself, but to them, to whom he considered himself a true but willing slave. What humility and what faithfulness!
FRUIT: Remember the words of Christ: It is impossible to serve God and world together (St. Matthew 6:24).
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, faithful servant, obtain for me fidelity in the service of God.
DAY 29: THE DEATH OF SAINT JOSEPH
1. Saint Joseph dies in his home, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. What a happy death!
2. Saint Joseph dies in the arms of his judge, whom he names his son. What confidence in death!
3. Saint Joseph says goodbye for a short time, knowing that he will be with them in eternity soon thereafter. What a desirable death!
FRUT: Death is the mirror of life, live like Saint Joseph, so that your death may be happy like his.
ASPIRATION: Most happy Patriarch assisted by Jesus and Mary in your death, assist me at my own.
DAY 30: THE POWER OF SAINT JOSEPH IN HEAVEN
1. On earth, Joseph was the depository of the power of God the Father, and it cannot be denied that he made good use of that power; how could Our Lord deny him his prize? He couldn’t.
2. Joseph, on earth, took care of the life of the divine Son, and it is certain that he carried out this task well. How could the grateful Son now deny him what he asks for?
3. Joseph, on earth, was Mary's most faithful guardian, how could this Lady deny him being a dispenser of the graces that pass through Her?
FRUIT: Since the power of Saint Joseph is so great, turn to him in all your needs for Our Lord is attentive to his father’s wishes.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph most powerful, always be my help.
DAY 31: SAINT JOSEPH PATRON OF THE CHURCH
1. Saint Joseph, by God's election, was made head and defender of the Holy Family. Who better than he to defend the family of Christ, which is the Church?
2. Saint Joseph cared for and guarded Jesus, the founder of the Church, who could take better care of the work of Jesus, the Church?
3. As children of the Church, we are children of Saint Joseph. Let us be devoted to him.
FRUIT: Always encourage devotion to this most glorious Saint.
ASPIRATION: Saint Joseph, I want to be yours always, accept me and protect me as your own.