Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, “Presentation of Jesus”

Happy St. Joseph’s Day to all! This is our day to celebrate who we are as Sisters of St. Joseph. Joseph is attributed no words in the Bible but only actions. We know he faithfully served God and was obedient to the call. He was the “foster Father of Jesus” who helped parent him on earth. We know that he did not belittle Mary when he found out she was pregnant. We know he was a carpenter. All of these actions reveal that he was a man of virtuous character.

The Sisters of St. Joseph look to Joseph and pray for his virtue of “Cordial Charity” as part of our prayer to the Double Trinity. We define the Double Trinity as: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit and Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. “Cordial” in French terms means true, real, or sincere. We look to Joseph for inspiration to be sincere and real about our loving charity. We pray to Joseph to help us practice this in our daily lives.

In a practical way aspiring to be more like Joseph affects my motivation and actions. It calls me to be true to God, myself and others. I go deep with God into my heart and mind and find out what is beckoning.  I ask for help and guidance so I will not waver in fidelity.  As Sisters of St. Joseph our common prayer is “Sharing the State of the Heart,” and so I not only share my heart with God, but I share my heart with my sisters. Doing both, sharing my heart with community and with God helps me remain faithful to my vocation.

St. Joseph’s day is a day we celebrate our community. We celebrate the fidelity we each have to our vocation. We renew our vows together. We re-commit ourselves to the mission, which is that of Jesus Christ and remember why we are here and what we are doing. We celebrate the love that flows from God and among us. Love and joy are palpable on this Feast day.

Today, reflect on your own faithfulness and celebrate it! Pray to Joseph for guidance and assistance. Blessings on your journey fellow pilgrim!

Novena to St. Joseph:

O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request. (Mention your request)

O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen.