Today is the feast of St Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the legal father of Jesus. He is the patron saint of the Church as well as of the dying.

Joseph teaches us humility. He was fully dependent on God’s design for the Holy Family. Joseph’s life is a continuous lesson in chastity. He moderated his sexual instinct to live in conformity with God’s will for him.

Joseph was a true icon of holy obedience. He totally cooperated with divine grace. Joseph lived the virtue of prudence to the brim. He gave his assent to God’s salvific plan by taking counsel carefully, judging it appropriately and acting on it accordingly.

Finally Joseph’s love for his family was heroic. His life was incessantly replete with works of love for the benefit of Mary and Jesus.

St Teresa of Avila said: “Though thou hast recourse to many saints as thine intercessors, go specially to St Joseph, for he has great power with God.”

St Joseph attains special graces on Wednesday the 19th of every month. Since this year’s feast falls exactly on Wednesday 19 let us ardently pray:

St Joseph intercede for me to grow in humility, chastity, obedience, prudence and love as you did. Amen.

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