Lecturer’s report for January, 2021, by Greg Brown

Consecration to Saint Joseph

Pope Francis has declared that 2021 is the year of Saint Joseph and he encourages us to consecrate ourselves to him.

Much of the following is from Mike Scherschligt’s rosary meditation titled “The Benefits of Turning to Joseph.”

Mike says, “Why is this Year of St Joseph and devotion to him so important and what does it mean to consecrate oneself to Joseph?” He continues, “When we consecrate ourselves to Joseph, saying yes to and accepting God’s plan to take care of us through a spiritual family, then we open ourselves up to all of Joseph’s care. As a divine person, the Son of God made a conscious decision to place himself under the obedience, care and protection of Joseph. In imitation of Jesus, we make the same choice by consecration to Joseph and receive in return the care of this illustrious spiritual father. “

In other words, Jesus, the Son of God, submitted himself to the authority of Joseph. If Jesus did this, then why not you and me?

Mike borrows from Pope Benedict XVI, “Once Jesus is born, imagine the amount of time Joseph spent with Jesus. Talking to Jesus, listening to Jesus, working with Jesus, eating, taking walks, working through problems, laughing, facing difficulties and just being with Jesus sitting silently by the fire. Because Joseph spent so much time with Jesus and knows him so well, Joseph is the patron of the spiritual life. Entrust your spiritual life and all your difficulties in prayer to Joseph.

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Saint Joseph

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.

Joseph said yes to God the Father’s plan of salvation entrusting his Only Begotten Son to Joseph. Consider entrusting yourself to a relationship with St. Joseph in 2021. Consider Consecration to St. Joseph. Here is how to get started.

Here is a link to the book, “Conscration to St. Joseph” by Fr. Donald H. Colloway, MIC: https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0zIhPNq2Mz002YPSSTM7PK05NLkosyczPUyjJVyguUcjKL04tyAAAKAQOlQ&q=consecration+to+st+joseph&rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS914US914&oq=consecration+to+&aqs=chrome.1.0i355i457j46j0j69i57j0l4.14811j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Here is the link to Pope Francis proclamation: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera-ap_20201208_patris-corde.html

The 30 Days Prayer to St. Joseph is a powerful devotion. Here’s a link, but I will have Justin email a digital copy too. https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/thirty-days-prayer-to-saint-joseph-399

Additional information from Mike Scherschlidt:

The Seven Privileges of St Joseph according to Mary of Agreda

I have been informed concerning certain privileges conferred upon St. Joseph by the Most High on account of his great holiness, which are especially important to those who ask his intercession in a proper manner. In virtue of these special privileges the intercession of St. Joseph is most powerful:

First, for attaining the virtue of purity and overcoming the disordered desires and vices;

Second, for procuring powerful help to escape sin and return to the friendship of God;

Third, for increasing the love and devotion to most holy Mary;

Fourth, for securing the grace of a happy death and protection against the demons in that hour;

Fifth, for filling the demons with terror at the mere mention of his name;

Sixth, for gaining health of body and assistance in all kinds of difficulties;

Seventh, for securing the blessing of many children in families.

From Teresa of Avila we can add an 8th, Joseph is the patron of the spiritual life and will help you become better at prayer and enjoy it more.