'She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins' #Matthew1:16, 18-21, 24
Today is the feast day of St. Joseph, husband of Mary, stepfather of Jesus. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church since1870. Having died in the "arms of Jesus and Mary" according to Catholic tradition, he is considered the model of the pious believer who receives grace at the moment of death, the patron of a happy death. He is also patron saint of workers.
Within the Christian church, there is much devotion to Saint Joseph. St. Thomas Aquinas once noted that St. Joseph is unique among patron saints in that he is able to assist us at any time for anything. So today, let us recite the prayer to St. Joseph, bringing before him all our hopes, dreams, worries and concerns so that like a good father, he can help us and support us.
'Oh, 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.
Oh 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.
Oh 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'