To the other saints, the Lord seems to have given grace to help us in some of our necessities. But my experience is that St. Joseph helps us in them all; also that the Lord wishes to teach us that, as He was subject on earth to Saint Joseph, so in heaven He now does all that Joseph asks. I only request whoever will not believe me will test the truth of what I say, for he will see by experience how great a blessing it is to recommend oneself to this glorious patriarch and to be devoted to him. -St. Teresa of Avila
Led to St. Joseph
I prayed so hard for a new start at the beginning of this liturgical year. The previous year had been difficult and I was ready, even desperate, to start anew in Christ.
After receiving the Eucharist on the first Sunday of Advent, I felt a deep call to consecrate the liturgical year to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, under the title “Queen of the Universe” and to Jesus’ Divine Mercy. I felt such joy and peace as I prayed, “Mary, Queen of the Universe and Jesus, in Your Divine Mercy, I consecrate this year to you.”
What I didn’t realize at the time is that, with this prayer, they would soon lead me to their favorite person, St. Joseph.
The Consecration to St. Joseph: A Book That Changed Everything
A few days before Christmas, my husband and I were given this book by Father Donald Calloway, MIC.
A week prior, I had seen Father Don give a powerful talk about the Rosary so I couldn’t wait to start the book. I opened the book and read that we could start the consecration any day, but Father Don recommended starting on dates that ended on a feast day associated with St. Joseph. I looked at the dates and saw that the next day was a recommended date!
That little miracle was just one of the many we experienced during our consecration to Saint Joseph.
The Newness for Which I Prayed
I had made consecrations to Mary, but a consecration to St. Joseph? This was something I never even considered doing. Admittedly, I rarely thought of St. Joseph prior to this consecration. A few years ago, I had given him my vocation as a nurse and had asked his intercession during some shifts, but calling upon him had become a rarity. Yes, I loved him and honored him, but he didn’t come to mind often.
That all changed the moment I opened the consecration book. As I read each day’s reflections and prayers, an entire aspect of the Faith opened up to me that I never knew existed. Now I can’t stop thinking about him!
What is Consecration To St. Joseph?
What is consecration to St. Joseph? Father Don explains that consecrating ourselves to St. Joseph means that:
...you acknowledge that he is your spiritual father, and you want to be like him. To show it, you entrust yourself entirely to his paternal care so that he can lovingly help you acquire his virtues and become holy. Total consecration to Saint Joseph means you make a formal act of filial entrustment to your spiritual father so that he can take care of your spiritual well-being and lead you to God. The person who consecrates himself to Saint Joseph wants to be as close to their spiritual father as possible, to the point of resembling him in virtue and holiness. Saint Joseph, in turn, will give those consecrated to him his loving attention, protection, and guidance.
Now is The Time For Joseph
Sisters, our world needs St. Joseph. Now is the time for St. Joseph.
In a world where marriage is attacked and broken, we need the strength of Joseph, the father and figurehead of the Holy Family.
In a culture that mocks masculinity, we need the manhood of Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons.
In a society where purity is attacked and lust is encouraged, we need the chaste heart of Joseph to triumph.
As our Church heals from crisis, we need the fatherhood of St. Joseph.
We need to run to St. Joseph in this hour of need! We need his protection, guidance, and strength. Now is the time to consecrate ourselves to St. Joseph.
Sisters, our world needs Saint Joseph. Now is the time for Saint Joseph! #BISblog //Click to tweet
After Our Lady, the Greatest of Saints
God has given us the gift of St. Joseph.
St. Maximilian Kolbe taught that, “with the exception of our loving Mother, Saint Joseph stands above all Saints.”
Doctor of the Church St. Gregory Nazianzen explained that, “the Almighty has concentrated in Saint Joseph the combined light and splendor of all the other Saints.”
If we have a strong relationship with Our Lord and Our Lady, we understand this. Of course, God the Father would create and ordain the holiest of men to lead, protect, and nurture Mary and Jesus!
We are Part of the Holy Family
It was fitting that Jesus and Mary led me to St. Joseph after consecrating the liturgical year to them because St. Joseph did the same thing. Deepening my relationship with St. Joseph deepened my love for Mary and Jesus. Father Don writes that we are not part of single-parent spirituality. Mary and Joseph’s hearts are united and full of love for us, their spiritual children.
The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father
Please consider consecrating yourself to St. Joseph. The book is a thirty-three day preparation that culminates with a consecration prayer on the last day. Each day focuses on an aspect of St. Joseph’s holiness from the Litany of St. Joseph. The book also includes words and reflections about St. Joseph by other Saints, Blesseds, Popes, and Doctors of the Church, along with the wisdom of Father Don. It has a wellspring of prayers, devotionals, and even pilgrimage sites.
I have never felt more peaceful, protected, and loved. God is inviting us to have a relationship with His servant, Joseph! It is such an exciting time in the history of our Church!
St. Joseph Links
Believe me, after consecrating yourself to St. Joseph, you can’t get enough of him! So here are some Joseph-themed resources, devotionals, and sacramentals:
- This beautiful necklace from The Little Catholic (use code CLAIRE10 for 10% off!)
- Sleeping Saint Joseph statue
- Joseph, Patron of the Church wood plaque (my favorite image of the Holy Family)
- Wedding of Joseph and Mary image (this is my go-to wedding gift)
- This fun mug from Just Love Prints
Have you consecrated yourself to St. Joseph? Do you have a devotion to him?
Want to learn more about Saint Joseph, patron of the Universal Church? Check out this incredible video series with our own Beth Davis!
The Consecration to St. Joseph #BISblog //Click to tweet
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Claire Couche is a wife, etiquette instructor, blogger, homeschooling mother, and registered nurse. She is passionate about sharing content that helps her community live a beautiful and virtuous life. Using her degrees in theology and history, Claire shares about the Catholic faith often on her IG account @findingphilothea and her website, Finding Philothea. You can often find her reading a good book in a beautiful dress! Learn more about Claire and all things etiquette here.
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