Adult Faith 2021 Consecration to St. Joseph & Year of St. Joseph
December 5th
Here is a link to a Facebook page that reflects on many of this week’s readings. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, Patron of the Dying, Comfort of the Afflicted, Pillar of Families, protector of Virgins. The priest explains how St. Joseph demonstrated why he has been given these titles. He includes how we can ask for St. Joseph’s intercession as we meet our daily joys and sorrows.
November 28th
November 21st
Kelly Wahlquist brings insight, as a mother, wife, and nurse, into the virginal and chaste life modeled by St. Joseph. She reminds us of some of St. Joseph’s virtues: just, faithful, righteous, silent, chaste, obedient, and devotion to our Blessed Virgin, which are essential to the sacrament of Matrimony. Sharing some of her personal experiences she adds more to the Biblical understanding of how the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament was to be treated reverently, and why God choose Joseph to guard a similar reverence to Mary, the Ark of the New Covenant. I thought it would be helpful to view the video since this week’s readings were focused on the virtuous qualities of the Holy Family’s familial relationships. This can encourage all of us in our personal relationship with family and friends, and as we continue to grow in our understanding of St. Joseph as our spiritual father. Fr. Calloway includes more Catholic writings about the fourth wonder of St. Joseph on pp.125-138 of Consecration to St. Joseph. Authors include; St. Jerome, Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, St. Bonaventure, St. Peter Damian, St. Bede, St. Francis de Sales, St. Peter Julian Eymard, St. Stanislaus Papczynski, St. Augustine, St. Bernardine of Siena, St. John Henry Newman, and Blessed Bartolo Longo.
A summary of virtuous guidance that I thought helpful was from Fr. John Henry Hanson. “Are there more important facts to know about a man? The love of his heart, the work of his hands—that’s all we really need to know. You can tell a man’s character by the love of his life and the work of his hands. The woman he chooses to love and to marry and to stay with for life; the quality of his work, however humble and hidden it might be. That is what makes a man a man.” “But what makes a man not only good, but a Saint, is how he responds to God. Nature drives a man to work and to marry. Grace moves him to make of marriage and work an offering acceptable to God.”—Fr. John Henry Hanson
Kelly also mentions two mystics, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Venerable Mary of Agreda (1602-1665) had visions about the lives of Mary and Joseph, and claim to have been present at the wedding of Mary and Joseph. Some details of their visions are noted in Wonder 4, Virginal Father of Jesu, in Fr. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph, pp.125—127. If you are interested in reading more, here are some suggestions.
Venerable Mary of Agreda wrote, The Mystical City of God, a four-volume set, available through TAN Books. A popular abridgement, and less expensive version is also available through Amazon. Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich authored, The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: From the Visions of Ven. Anne Catherine Emmerich, available from Amazon.
Here is a link to another of Kelly’s comments. Catholic Spirit
November 14th
Two mystics, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Venerable Mary of Agreda (1602-1665) had visions about the lives of Mary and Joseph, and claim to have been present at the wedding of Mary and Joseph. Some details of their visions are noted in Wonder 4, Virginal Father of Jesu, in Fr. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph, pp.125—127. If you are interested in reading more, here are some suggestions.
To give life to someone is the greatest of all gifts, to save a life is the next. Who gave life to Jesus? It was Mary. Who saved his life? It was Joseph. Ask St. Paul, who persecuted him: Saint Peter, who denied him; ask all the saints who put him to death. But if we ask, who saved his life, be silent patriarchs, be silent prophets, be silent apostles, confessors, and martyrs. Let Saint Joseph speak, for this honor is his alone. He alone is the savior of his savior. Blessed William Joseph Chaminade
St. Joseph’s super hero qualities are hiddenness, silence, obedience, routine, and suffering. St. Joseph, most obedient, St. Joseph, most faithful, Joseph, lover of poverty, Joseph, model of the workman, Joseph, glory of domestic life, Joseph, savior of the Savior, pray for us. Amen
The Sorrows of St. Joseph
- 1. St. Joseph Resolves to leave Mary Quietly
- 2. The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth.
- 3. The Circumcision
- 4. The Prophecy of Simeon
- 5. The Flight into Egypt
- 6. The Return from Egypt
- 7. The Loss of the Child Jesus
The Joys of St. Joseph
- 1. St. Joseph’s Annunciation
- 2.The Birth of the Savior
- 3. The Holy Name of Jesus
- 4. The Effects of the Redemption
- 5. The Overthrow of the Idols of Egypt
- 6. Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth
- 7. The Finding of the Child Jesus
On page 157-158 of Fr. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph notes how, during the 18th century, the Seven Sunday Devotions evolved from a 16th century devotion of the Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph. Fr. Calloway also lists the Biblical references to the sorrows and joys. The Seven Sundays to honor of St. Joseph are observed by receiving Holy Communion in his honor on seven consecutive Sundays, and on each Sunday the prayers in honor of the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph are recited. This devotion may be practiced at any time of the year, but especially on the seven Sundays preceding his solemnity on March 19th. Read more from Year of St. Joseph here. The video below leads you through the Seven Sorrows & Joys of St. Joseph Chaplet. It is another beautiful way to honor St. Joseph.
November 7th
November 7th
Six Truths About St. Joseph, Our Spiritual Father https://www.goodcatholic.com/truths-about-st-joseph/
6 Virtues of St. Joseph That All Men Can Imitate
https://aleteia.org/2020/12/20/6-virtues-of-st-joseph-that-all-men-can-imitate/
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Cardinal Virtues Temperance Justice Prudence Fortitude
Theological Virtues Faith Hope Charity
If you are interested in reading about the virtues in the catechism, click the Catechism of the Catholic Church link above.
October 31st
October 24th
“The Church admires the simplicity and the depth of his [St. Joseph’s] faith.” – St. John Paul II
The following video, presented by Fr. Kevin Zilverberg, will help us understand the cultural context of the following words, betrothed, divorced, and just, that we read in Scripture, regarding Joseph’s response upon understanding Mary was with child, our Savior, Jesus Christ. This Sunday would be a great day to bring our Bibles to class so that we can compare translations and footnotes. Some Scripture passages that Fr. Kevin leads us to are Mathew 19, Matthew 5, Mathew 19, Deuteronomy 22:22-21 and Deuteronomy 24:1. If you have a chance to view it before we meet you may glean more insight into the three theories held by various saints and scholars, regarding Joseph’s response during his betrothal to our Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Calloway’s book provides more insight on pages 141-153.
This weeks readings included Days 18 – 24. Please bring your reflections on this week’s readings to class to share.
St. Joseph, the Worker Joseph, by the work of your hands and the sweat of your brow, you supported Jesus and Mary, and had the Son of God as your fellow worker. Teach me to work as you did, with patience and perseverance, for God and for those whom God has given me to support. Teach me to see in my fellow workers the Christ who desires to be in them, that I may always be charitable and forbearing towards all.
Grant me to look upon work with the eyes of faith, so that I shall recognize in it my share in God’s own creative activity and in Christ’s work of our redemption, and so take pride in it. When it is pleasant and productive, remind me to give thanks to God for it. And when it is burdensome, teach me to offer it to God, in reparation for my sis and the sins of the world. Author Unknown
October 17th
“Since there is nothing on record that he [St Joseph] ever had any other spouse than the Virgin Mary, it is also certain that he remained a virgin all his life.” – St. Jerome
The two following videos, presented by Fr. Evan Koop, and Kelly Walquist, give insight into what the Bible, the Church, saints, popes, and ordinary people think and believe about St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This past week’s daily preparation included the following aspects of St. Joseph. Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, Foster Father of the Son of God, Zealous Defender of Christ, Head of the Holy Family, Joseph Most Just, and Joseph Most Chaste.
We will have time to view one of them during our class time, but if you get a chance please view them prior to Sunday morning when we meet. I picked up a little bit more insight each time I listen to them. There are some group questions on pages 253-255 in Fr. Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph, that we could discuss as well as the highlights of the videos. If you have a specific question you would like to discuss, we will make it a priority to do that.
October 10th
Silent Witness – Wonder Eight
Let us allow ourselves to be filled with St. Joseph’s silence! In a world that is often too noisy, that encourages neither recollection nor listening to God’s voice, we are in such deep need of it.” — Pope Benedict XVI
Insight to St. Joseph’s character is gained from the Church’s writings, saints’ testimonies, apparitions, and the Gospels. Pages 191 – 199 of Consecration to St. Joseph, by Father Calloway includes some of these; Bishop Jacques-Benigne Bossuet of France, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, St. Pope Paul VI, King Louis XIV of France, St Bridget of Sweden, Venerable Mary of Agreda, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Faustina Kowalska, Blessed Gabriele Allegra, and Sr. Mary Ephrem.
Events Bringing Awareness to St. Joseph’s Role in our Salvation.
14th Century – Scholars and saints helped the Church become more aware of St. Joseph through their devotion and testimonies.
17th Century —Cotignac, France, St. Joseph appeared to a shepherd, spoke to him, and worked miracles and wonders of healing. Note the historical shrine near the miraculous spring.
March 19, 1661— King Louis XIV consecrated all of France to St. Joseph and declared St. Joseph’s feast day a national holiday.
August 21, 1879 – St. Joseph appears with the Virgin Mary, and St. John the Apostle outside a church in Knock, Ireland.
October 13, 1917 – St. Joseph appears, during the sixth Marian apparitions at Fatima, Portugal. St. Joseph was seen holding the Christ Child and together they blessed the world.
1968 – Zeitoun, Egypt— A series of apparitions of Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph occurred in places the Holy Family visited during their sojourn in Egypt.
1950’s – St. Joseph allegedly spoke to Sr. Mary Ephrem in a religious setting.
Large group discussion and/or questions about consecration preparation. If you have questions or comments about the first ten days of consecration readings, bring them to class on Sunday.
Days 1-10 include the following topics. God, the Father of Heaven, God, the Son, Redeemer of the World, God, the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One God, Holy Mary, Saint Joseph, Noble Offspring of David, and Light of Patriarchs.
Additional readings include Our Spiritual Father, Privileges of Devotion to St. Joseph, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, St. Joseph’s Oratory, The Consecrated Knight, Delight of the Saints, Son of David, and Ite ad Ioseph.
Questions from page 252
#1 Do you like praying the Litany of St. Joseph? Do any of the titles really stand out for you?
#3 Mary is your spiritual mother, Jesus is your brother, and St. Joseph is your spiritual father. Have you ever thought of St. Joseph as your spiritual father? What appeals to you about relating to St. Joseph as his son/daughter?
#6 In what ways does St. Joseph spiritually feed, clothe, educate, protect, and correct us?
September 19th & 26th
View Year of St. Joseph Explained
Review the Decree of gift of special Indulgences and Plenary Indulgences
Corporal & Spiritual Works of Mercy CCC
Consecration to St. Joseph
Listen to the introduction of Patris Corde (video above)
Small group discussion regarding the aspects of St. Joseph Pope Francis proclaimed in Patris Cordes Group Discussion Questions.
Pray the Litany of St. Joseph or Hail Guardian of the Redeemer
Aspects of St. Joseph
- Beloved father
- Tender loving father
- Obedient father
- Accepting father
- Creatively courageous father
- Working father
- Father in the shadows
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. To you God entrusted his only Son; in you Mary placed her trust; with you Christ became man. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
The Litany of Saint Joseph Association of Marian Helpers
| Lord, have mercy. | Lord, have mercy. |
| Christ, have mercy. | Christ, have mercy. |
| Lord, have mercy. | Lord, have mercy. |
| Christ, hear us. | Christ, graciously hear us. |
| God, the Father in Heaven, | have mercy on us. |
| God the Son, Redeemer of the world, | have mercy on us. |
| God the Holy Spirit, | have mercy on us. |
| Holy Trinity, One God, | have mercy on us. |
| Holy Mary, | pray for us. |
| Saint Joseph, | pray for us. |
| Noble Offspring of David, | pray for us. |
| Light of Patriarchs, | pray for us. |
| Spouse of the Mother of God, | pray for us. |
| Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, | pray for us. |
| Foster-Father of the Son of God, | pray for us. |
| Zealous Defender of Christ, | pray for us. |
| Head of the Holy Family, | pray for us. |
| Joseph, Most Just, | pray for us. |
| Joseph, Most Chaste, | pray for us. |
| Joseph, Most Prudent, | pray for us. |
| Joseph, Most Courageous, | pray for us. |
| Joseph Most Obedient, | pray for us. |
| Joseph Most Faithful, | pray for us. |
| Mirror of Patience, | pray for us. |
| Lover of Poverty, | pray for us. |
| Model of Workers, | pray for us. |
| Glory of Domestic Life, | pray for us. |
| Guardian of Virgins, | pray for us. |
| Pillar of Families, | pray for us. |
| Comfort of the Afflicted, | pray for us. |
| Hope of the Sick, | pray for us. |
| Patron of the Dying, | pray for us. |
| Terror of Demons, | pray for us. |
| Protector of the Holy Church, | pray for us. |
| Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, | Spare us O Lord. |
| Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, | Graciously hear us, O Lord. |
| Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, | Have mercy on us. |
| He has made him master of his household, | And prince over all his possessions. |
CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY & The Saints
Feed the Hungry. St. Maximilian Kolbe. St. Vincent de Paul.
Give Drink to the Thirsty. St. Peter Claver, St. Marianne Cope.
Clothe the Naked. St. Martin of Tours.
Visit the Sick. St. Vincent de Paul, St. Samson.
Shelter the Homeless. St. Benedict, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Visit the Imprisoned. St. Peter Nalasco, St. Saturus.
Bury the Dead. St. Joseph of Arimathea, St. Catherine of Siena.
SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY:
Comfort the afflicted. St. Thomas Merton, St. Dorothy Day.
Counsel the doubtful. St. John Vianney, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio.
Admonish sinners. St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Thomas Aquinas.
Forgive offenses willingly. St. Maria Goretti, St. Stephen.
Teach the Ignorant. St. Francis Xavier, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
Bear wrongs patiently. St. Bernadette of Lourdes, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Pray for the living and the dead. St. Simeon Stylites, St. Mary of Egypt.
Father Calloway posted this hour long video which gives some insight into Pope Francis declaring the year of St. Joseph. He includes information on plenary indulgence.
