With the Year of Saint Joseph instituted by Pope Francis come and gone, what are some practical ways that we can uphold and stay devoted to the foster father of the Lord?
Father Donald Calloway, MIC, was recently featured on the St. Paul Seminary’s Joyful Catholic Leaders Show. The author of “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father” offers the following methods for getting — and staying — close to St. Joseph:
The Wednesday devotion
In the Roman Catholic tradition, Wednesdays have been generally reserved for Joseph — just as Saturdays are dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Buy a lily or recite a litany to St. Joseph on a Wednesday.
The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary
The mysteries of the Rosary pertaining to the birth and childhood of Jesus naturally have more focus on Mary. However, His foster father certainly played a key part, too. As you pray the Joyful Mysteries during the week, perhaps meditate more on his role in the childhood of Jesus and the Holy Family.
A young Joseph
In many pieces of art, St. Joseph is portrayed more like a grandfather. In more recent times, the image of a young Joseph has gained more traction; he was a laborer who worked hard to provide for his family, a man who was able to walk all the way to Egypt to protect the child Jesus, and one who was chaste out of choice, not age. Use art that depicts St. Joseph as a young man, and place it in a prominent place in your home to reflect upon.
Consecration to St. Joseph
To dedicate one’s self to Christ through His incredible foster father is powerful. Calloway’s Consecration to St. Joseph is a 33-day guide leading to entrusting one’s self to the humble saint’s fatherly care.