Canadian Divine Mercy Centre and Apostolate

SAINT JOSEPH

FOSTER FATHER OF MERCY INCARNATE

(Part 2 – continued from August 2008)

Young Joseph had to endure many afflictions and persecutions from evil spirits either directly or through a person used by the evil one. Let me quote an excerpt from "The Life of St. Joseph" written by the Abbess Maria Cecilia; her book has been published with the approval of learned theologians and the support of Pope Benedict XV:

"On one occasion, as the saintly youth was somewhat downcast because of these persecutions, his angel spoke to him, advising him to be of good cheer and not to think of giving up his charitable work because God had reserved for him a most special grace for the occasion of his own death. The angel, however, did not reveal anything more concerning this truly great blessing that was to be his, namely: the happy privilege of dying with the most loving assistance of Jesus and Mary. Encouraged by this message of the angel, Joseph continued to act as before in his charitable activity. Once he knew that something was pleasing to God, he always devoted himself entirely to it ... The angel frequently informed him of the fact that the number of lost souls was very great. The holy youth became so distressed over this that he would weep bitterly throughout that entire day. He regretted that he could not be present at every deathbed, and help souls die a good death. With fervent sighs, he turned to God and implored Him to send the promised Messiah soon, so that souls might be freed from the bondage of Satan and ransomed by means of the Divine Redemption. Whenever he was disconsolate and of tear-stained countenance, his parents would ask him the reason for his weeping. He explained with great candor and humility: I bewail the irreparable ruin of so many souls whom God has created for the purpose of bringing them into eternal repose. Yet they are lost through their own faults. The devil holds a great sway over men; let us therefore implore God to send the Messiah before long so that, by Him, satan may be deprived of his power and dominion and souls may be delivered from the tyranny of such a ferocious dragon."

All his life, St. Joseph was a rather contemplative soul and lived a life of what one might called active asceticism – that is, in order to please the Most High and to grow in sanctity, he denied his senses even the slightest satisfaction. I think that St. Joseph mastered perfect sanctity on earth, thereby deserving the recognition and praise of mankind. According to Abbess Maria Cecilia, the Lord revealed to her that Joseph was an awesome spiritual guide to many who came to him. He would give generously in word and deed, his counsel was wise and always ended with thanksgiving to God for His great mercy. If I may add from my own personal experience, I must admit that my Foster Father has never left me hanging in the air.

The previously mentioned attacks by man and evil spirits endured with a kind and merciful disposition resulted in the conversion of some of his enemies who themselves began to imitate St. Joseph's servitude. Here again we see the fruits of mercy in society and the Lord's words to "be merciful as the Heavenly Father is merciful" manifested in reality. Becoming a man like St. Joseph or a woman like St. Faustina will ultimately change society, from the most menial job to the most highly esteemed, from the construction site to the Prime Minister's office. Jesus told Saint Faustina: "Make this known to all of mankind." One man at a time, one woman at a time, the world can and will change if we look at some of the role models of His Mercy who have gone before us. For many centuries, the devotion to Saint Joseph the Merciful was not practiced except behind Convent or Monastery walls. It should be noted here what St. Faustina recorded in Diary entry #1203: " Saint Joseph urged me to have a constant devotion to him. He himself told me to recite every day three prayers (the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory Be) and the Memorare once every day. He looked at me with great kindness and gave me to know how much he is supporting this work of mercy. He has promised me this special help and protection. I recite the requested prayers every day and feel his special protection." In fact, these prayers were recited by the whole Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and are included at the end of this reflection for your personal use.

According to the Catholic Biblical Encyclopedia, the devotion to St. Joseph first began around the 9^th Century in a Benedictine Monastery in Reichenan Germany (not far from where I was born) – you may be interested to know that this richly decorated Monastery still stands to this day. The Solemnity of Saint Joseph was celebrated on the 3^rd Wednesday after Easter and was extended to the whole Church by Pope Pius IX in 1847. Ninety years later, in 1937, Pope Pius XI placed the struggle against communism under St. Joseph's patronage. So, you might say that St. Joseph the Worker is continuing to prayerfully labour in Heaven for the Mercy of God upon mankind!

MEMORARE OF SAINT JOSEPH

(used by the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy)

Begin with: Our Father ..., Hail Mary ..., Glory Be ...

Remember, O most pure spouse of Mary and my dearly beloved guardian Saint Joseph, that never was it known that anyone who invoked your care and requested your help was left without consolation. Inspired with this confidence, I come to you, and with all the ardor of my spirit, I commend myself to you. Do not reject my prayer, O Foster Father of the Saviour, but graciously receive and answer it. Amen.