Our devotion for the spouse of Mother Mary should not have ended with the conclusion of the Year of Saint Joseph. Rather, it should continue to blossom and unfold each day of every year. Saint Joseph is a powerful intercessor, a strong heavenly friend, and a witness to holiness.
Ways to Show Devotion to Saint Joseph
Here are some ways that we can foster our relationship with the head of the Holy Family.
Consecration to Saint Joseph
One of the most spiritually transformative experiences that I have had is consecrating myself, my family, and all of my belongings to Jesus through the intercession of Saint Joseph. I did this through Father Donald H. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. It was a powerful experience and I continue to see many fruits of this consecration in my life today. This book is a more formal consecration, consisting of thirty-three days of prayerful preparation prior to your consecration day.
Though I strongly recommend Father Calloway’s book due to its spiritual benefits, you don’t need to practice something so ceremonious prior to consecration. A simple prayer, like this one from Saint Bernardine of Siena, also consecrates you to Jesus through Saint Joseph:
O my beloved Saint Joseph, adopt me as thy child. Take charge of my salvation; watch over me day and night; preserve me from occasions of sin; obtain for me purity of body. Through thy intercession with Jesus, grant me a spirit of sacrifice, humility, self-denial, burning love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet and tender love for Mary, my mother. Saint Joseph, be with me living, be with me dying, and obtain for me a favorable judgment from Jesus, my merciful Savior. Amen.
Whatever form of consecration you choose, remember, you are entrusting yourself and all you own to Jesus through the protection of Saint Joseph. Jesus did just that as He lived in Nazareth, and it would do our souls well to do the same!
Honor Our Lady
Whenever I am honored, my husband is honored. Whenever my husband is honored, I am, too. It is a beautiful mystery that when spouses are married, they become one. We draw closer to Saint Joseph when we show his spouse love.
We can do this through:
- Pondering Scripture about Mother Mary.
- Praying a Rosary.
- Wearing a Scapular.
- Going on a Marian Pilgrimage.
- Consecrating ourselves to Jesus through Mary.
- Going to Mass on Saturday mornings in honor of her weekly Feast.
- Teaching children the Hail Mary.
Images in Our Home
After consecrating my family to Saint Joseph, we put a large image up of the Holy Family in our home. As I walk by it each day, this picture reminds me of the virtues of Saint Joseph and beckons me to strive for holiness. This image of the Holy Family also serves as a witness to those who enter into our home.
Recently, when a repairman came into our home, he saw the image and shared with me that he had not been to church in a long time. I told him that he is always welcome to come back. Holy images in our homes bless our own families, and all those who we welcome into our space.
Here are some of my favorite images of Saint Joseph to put in the place where you dwell:
- This Holy Family Candle
- St. Joseph, Patron of the Church Image
- Three Hearts Holy Family Framed Print (use code CLAIRE for discount!)
- The Sleeping St. Joseph Statue
Pray
There are many beautiful prayers composed in honor of Saint Joseph. His litany is a powerful one to pray, as is my favorite, the Holy Cloak Novena. This novena is a Carmelite tradition and is prayed for thirty days. This prayer of protection and intercession is powerful:
O Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, you who were chosen by God above all men to be the earthly head of the most holy of families, I beseech you to accept me within the folds of your holy cloak, that you may become the guardian and custodian of my soul.
From this moment on, I choose you as my father, my protector, my counselor, my patron, and I beseech you to place in your custody my body, my soul, all that I am, all that I possess, my life, and my death.
Look upon me as one of your children; defend me from the treachery of my enemies, invisible or otherwise, assist me at all times in all my necessities; console me in the bitterness of my life, and especially at the hour of my death. Say but one word for me to the Divine Redeemer whom you were deemed worthy to hold in your arms, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, your most chaste spouse. Request for me those blessings which will lead me to salvation. Include me amongst those who are most dear to you and I shall set forth to prove myself worthy of your special patronage. Amen.
Learn From the School of Saints
Throughout Church history, God raised up men and women who found favor through their devotion to Saint Joseph. Researching their stories, learning about them, and imitating how they practiced devotion to Jesus’ earthly father will help us grow in holiness.
Here are some Saints who had a strong devotion to Saint Joseph:
- Saint André Bessette
- Saint Teresa of Avila
- Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
- Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
- Saint Francis de Sales
- Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
- Saint Josemaría Escrivá
- Pope Saint John Paul II
What are some of your favorite ways to show your devotion to Saint Joseph? Do you have an image of Saint Joseph in your living space? Let us know in the comments below! Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Ways to Show Devotion to Saint Joseph #BISblog //Click to tweet
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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