Year of Saint Joseph, from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021
St. Joseph, because of his unique relationship to Jesus and Mary, is among heaven’s most powerful protectors and intercessors. Read a list of St. Joseph’s causes and patronages, as well as some of the many saints who were devoted to St. Joseph. How will you grow in your devotion to him?
St. Joseph’s Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys Devotion & the Seven Sundays Devotion
An effective means of obtaining special graces through the intercession of St. Joseph is to honor his seven sorrows and seven joys by the practicing the Seven Sundays devotion.
The Seven Sundays in honor of St. Joseph are observed by receiving Holy Communion in his honor on seven consecutive Sundays, and on each Sunday the prayers in honor of the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph are recited. This devotion may be practiced at any time of the year, but especially on the seven Sundays preceding his solemnity on March 19th.
| JOSEPH’S SEVEN SORROWS | JOSEPH’S SEVEN JOYS |
| 1. The doubt of St. Joseph (Matt. 1:19) | 1. The message of the Angel (Matt. 1:20) |
| 2. The poverty of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:7) | 2. The birth of the Savior (Luke 2:10-11) |
| 3. The Circumcision (Luke 2:21) | 3. The Holy Name of Jesus (Matt. 1:25) |
| 4. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34) | 4. The effects of the Redemption (Luke 2:38) |
| 5. The flight into Egypt (Matt. 2:14) | 5. The overthrow of the idols of Egypt (Is. 19:1) |
| 6. The return from Egypt (Matt. 2:22) | 6. Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth (Luke 2:39) |
| 7. The loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:45) | 7. The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46) |
The Chaste Heart of St. Joseph
St. Joseph is known as “the just man” and, as such, was a man of singular virtue. This strength of character, this reign of virtue, extended to all aspects of his life and his person—including his heart. His whole being was oriented to his God. His love was properly ordered, his affections purified. Unlike St. Joseph, we tend to struggle, and oftentimes fail, with matters of the heart. Our culture certainly does not hold the virtue of chastity in high esteem. Therefore, it can seem incredible to us that a man like Joseph was able to rise to the lofty challenge presented to him: to be the “chaste guardian of the Virgin” (and of all virgins) and the foster-father of the Son of God. Such a task requires both remarkable human virtue and unexcelled amounts of God’s grace. St. Joseph had both.
The tradition with regard to the age of St. Joseph varies (the Eastern Church holds that he was an old man, while the West concedes that he may have been much younger), but at the heart of the issue is the fact that it was Joseph’s virtue—not merely old age, lack or virility, or lethargic passions—that safeguarded the perpetual virginity of the Mother of God, and allowed him to guide and protect Mary and Jesus with such strength of pure love.
This should be a great consolation to us who still wander in this vale of tears, striving for holiness. St. Joseph was a great man with a “most chaste heart” but whose love was certainly not cold. For this reason, the Diocese of Charlotte’s logo for the Year of St. Joseph depicts his Most Chaste Heart inflamed with love and adorned with the white lily of purity. The heart of St. Joseph should give us great hope that purity of heart lies within our reach, thanks to the grace of God and the intercession of Joseph-most-chaste!
The Cord (Cincture) of St. Joseph
The devotional cord of St. Joseph is a practice that arose in Belgium in the mid-twentieth century following the miraculous healing of an Augustinian nun, attributed to her wearing of a white cord around her waist. This devotion endures to this day and is associated with many special graces, notably those of purity and of a happy, holy death.
Holy Mother of Czestochowa, Thou art full of grace, goodness and mercy. I consecrate to Thee all my thoughts, words and actions, my soul and body. I beseech Thy blessings and especially prayers for my salvation. Today, I consecrate myself to Thee, Good Mother, totally with body and soul amid joy and sufferings to obtain for myself and others Thy blessings on this earth and eternal life in Heaven. Amen.
Remember Juan:
Among them is Father Juan Elías Medina who was killed at age 33, on September 25, 1936.
When his breviary was collected from the prison, a letter to his mother was found inside:
Mother:
https://aleteia.org/2021/10/16/a-martyrs-last-letter-to-his-mother/
As I write this, it seems my death sentence is being decided. Nevertheless, I write calmly. May God give you strength to receive this news. It is a joy to be able to offer a son to God, and if He so wishes, you are going to offer one. As I hope that we will see each other in heaven, pray often “My Lord, and my God,” and if you can, make a good confession, and thus we will live together forever in Glory.
Tell those who ask about me that they should pray a lot for my soul, which will need it a lot. To my siblings, that they be good and that they don’t stop [praying for me]. And above all, consider that your son dies content, and in this hour, more than ever, I love you. Your son, Juan.
Please pray for my son Joseph and his foundation in The Year of St. Joseph: The Joseph Dwayne Albert Foundation https://www.facebook.com/joeduecefoundation
Joseph was born in Houston, Texas in 1991 weighing 10 pounds and was 21 inches long. A giant in spirit and character right from the start - he was always a happy baby and grew into a loving, compassionate person. Kind and generous to a fault with a wonderful way with words. An avid reader and philosopher with "Gold" for everyone he knew. He adored his friends and never forgot anyone's name or face. He was hard working and strong willed yet compassionate, wise and gentle.
Having fulfilled his purpose for this life Joseph Dwayne Albert went on to glory and Heavenly Father on June 30th, 2013.
We are all saddened by his transition yet can't help grinning through our tears as we remember him fondly and all the words of wisdom he shared so freely with us...He is a truly miraculous soul who is cherished, admired and adored. His loved ones welcome you to celebrate a life that was a blessing to all no matter their station, creed or color.
"Knowledge is priceless. Don't throw pearls before swine. It's hard not to for me to do that though because it's like my brother, Anthony Johnson, says, "Put God First then your self and it'll work out." Love should be equal if they don't give the same back don't get taken advantage of. You see me, but do you hear me? I can feel you, but do you feel me?? If you understand you're on your way." - Joseph Dwayne Albert, May 16th, 2013
Ode to Joe - Mr. Joseph Dwayne Albert
When the sun shines or a cool wind blows We are reminded that God's still in control
To have someone like Mr. Joseph Dwayne Is a gift only the chosen can faithfully claim We claim that joy because we knew Joe We claim that grace because we love Joe.
Now we can all say that you are true blue It's been an honor Joseph to know and love you! https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/seattle-wa/joseph-albert-5589359
Songs about Saint Joseph
“By All Your Saints Still Striving” (found in various hymnals, with specific verse for March
19—St. Joseph). Text by Horation Nelson, © 1985 The Church Pension Fund. Tune: ST.
THEODULPH 76 76 D, Melchior Teschner.
“Come Now, and Praise the Humble Saint” (found in Worship IV, Ritual Song I & II by GIA
Publications). Text by G.W. Williams, © 1979 Hymn Society of America. Tune: LAND OF REST,
CM; American; Harm. by Richard Proulx, © GIA Publications, Inc.
“Great Saint Joseph! Son of David” (found in The St. Gregory Hymnal). Translated by Bishop
Casartelli. From a Slovak Hymnal.
“Hail! Holy Joseph, Hail!” (found in The St. Gregory Hymnal). Text by Father Faber. Adapted
and arranged by Nicola A. Montani.
“Joseph, Be Our Guide and Pattern” (found in Worship III by GIA Publications). Text by Muriel
Newton-White. © 1972, Canadian Catholic Conference. Tune: ORIEL, 8 7 8 7 8 7; Ett’s Cantica
Sacra, 1840.
“Joseph, pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride” (found in The St. Gregory Hymnal). Translated
by Father Caswall. Melody by M. Mattoni.
“Joseph’s Song” (Contemporary, Meditative piece). Text and Music by Michael Card. © 1982
Mole End Music, EMI Christian Music Publishing.
“O blessed Saint Joseph” (found in The St. Gregory Hymnal). Text by Father Faber. Melody
from the Trier Gesangbuch.
“O Joseph, Mighty Patron” (found in One in Faith by World Library Publications). Text by
Marie M. Keane, © 1970 WLP. Tune: AURELIA 76 76 D; Samuel S. Wesley.
“Saint Joseph Was a Just Man” (found in One in Faith by World Library Publications). Text by
Omer Westendorf, © 1970 WLP. Tune: MUNICH 76 76 D; Neuvermehrtes Meiningisches
Gesangbuch, 1693.
Selah.
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