Today's Solemnity of Saint Joseph is an important day in the life of the Church, writes Deacon Gary Perrydore, pictured below, of Saint Joseph parish in Ypsilanti. Guided by the Holy Spirit, the Church has continually reflected on his quiet strength, faithful obedience, and steadfast love, recognizing in him a powerful intercessor and model of holiness.Several Popes have fostered the Church’s devotion to Saint Joseph.
In 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the Patron and Protector of the Universal Church.
No one lives outside his patronage as fathers, families, workers, immigrants, expectant mothers, those seeking a happy death, those buying or selling homes, and others live under his fatherly care. Pope John XXIII added his name to the Roman Canon. Pope Benedict XVI approved, and Pope Francis formally authorized, the inclusion of his name in Eucharistic Prayers II–IV.
The Litany of Saint Joseph, approved for public use by Pope Saint Pius X, honors him with powerful and tender titles; Pure Guardian of the Virgin, Defender of Christ, Servant of Christ, Mirror of Patience, Lover of Poverty, Glory of Family Life, Patron of Exiles, Support in Difficulties, Hope of the Sick, Terror of Demons, and more. Through them, we are reminded that Saint Joseph stands ready to intercede for us in every need.
All this beautifully underscores the Church’s growing awareness of the gift she has in Saint Joseph.
We do well to seek his intercession—not only for the universal Church, but each of us personally. From family life, career issues, and diaconal ministry, I have benefited from his intercession for 36 years since entering the Church and am grateful for his fatherly care and to serve at a parish under his patronage.
The ancient prayer (below) is with his statue at Saint Joseph parish in Ypsilanti and serves as a reminder that the one who faithfully protected the Holy Family continues to watch over us today. Let us pray:
“Oh, Saint Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, Saint Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. Oh, Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.”
* Deacon Gary Perrydore serves at Saint Joseph parish in Ypsilanti as the Director of Liturgy and Pastoral Ministry and serves the Diocese of Lansing as Director of Diaconal Formation and Hospital Ministry.
