An Unsung Hero

Today we celebrate with the rest of the Church, the feast of Saint Joseph. I have always thought of this great saint as one of the Church's unsung heroes. Scripture says little about him. In fact Joseph really doesn't say a word. However his actions speak volumes! He answered God's call and protected the infant Jesus and his Mother during very perilous times.

The saints throughout history have always had great devotion to St. Joseph. St. Teresa of Avila says that devotion to St. Joseph is important to our interior lives. St. Bernard says, "There are some saints who have the power of protecting in certain, specific circumstances; but St. Joseph has been granted the power to help us in every kind of need, and to defend all who have recourse to him with pious dispositions."

So, as the Pharaoh in Egypt told the people, speaking of another Joseph~"Go to Joseph." We can take this advice and go to the good and righteous St. Joseph. He is a model of fidelity and obedience and also of great courage. He will protect us and care for us in all our needs.

St. Joseph, holy and chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, foster father and protector of our Lord Jesus Christ~pray for us; intercede for those we love. Protect the Universal Church. Bring all those who have died and will die this day to a holy and happy death. Amen.

*I have posted about St. Joseph before. See the archives for the post from Dec. 19, 2008.