During one of my moves from one state to another I diligently sifted through the many boxes of "stuff" I had accumulated through the years to decipher what was coming with me and what was going to be donated or thrown out. This was one of those milestone moves where everything I possessed needed to … Continue reading Remember Death. Remember Joseph.
Year of St. Joseph
There was a man named Joseph…
I will make a daring statement. A statement that is not backed up by any theological instruction, exegesis, or pontifical concordance. The statement expresses an observation that I have quietly held in my heart. It is a correlation I have made and contemplate every Good Friday and Holy Saturday. Jesus gave up His Spirit. The … Continue reading There was a man named Joseph…
Lover of Poverty
In the Litany to St. Joseph we pray, "Lover of Poverty, pray for us." Grace advances this entry. It is inspired by St. Teresa of Calcutta. On June 2, 1989 Mother Teresa was interviewed by William F. Buckley, Jr. on his program Firing Line. They were engaged in a discussion about poverty. He was deftly … Continue reading Lover of Poverty
March with St. Joseph
One neat aspect of the Catholic Church is that there is always a reason to turn our attention back to God. We have every Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation, which are great because we are able to go to church and participate and receive the Holy Eucharist. Then there are feasts, solemnities, and observances … Continue reading March with St. Joseph
Devotion to St. Joseph
There are numerous reasons to have a devotion to St. Joseph. Among the many patronages associated with him he is considered the Patron of a Happy Death, provider of financial help, the patron of families, laborers, of the sick, of the poor, of travelers, terror of demons and conqueror of Hell, among just a few … Continue reading Devotion to St. Joseph
Ambassadors For Christ
We begin the pilgrimage of Lent today in the Catholic Church and many Christian communities worldwide. On this journey, through fasting, almsgiving and prayer we return to God with our whole heart as it is so eloquently written by the Prophet Joel in the Old Testament (Joel 2:12-18). In the New Testament, Paul reminds us, … Continue reading Ambassadors For Christ
The Silence of St. Joseph
Actions speak louder than words. One of my favorite quotes drives this home, "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words when necessary."St. Francis of Assisi Our evangelization is perfectly preached through acts of corporeal and spiritual mercy and devotion to Jesus through celebration of the Eucharist. St. Joseph's actions spoke louder than words. He … Continue reading The Silence of St. Joseph
Mirror of Patience
I was fond of reminding people of a popular Confucius saying, "the only thing that endures is change." It was, at the time, profound. Somewhat kitschy. It worked great at cocktail parties. Those receiving the wise words would usually nod in agreement. As time passes and as the tilt of life's sun leans more to … Continue reading Mirror of Patience
St. Joseph Companion
As I embark on the Year of St. Joseph, I have found it advantageous to have a companion. This prayer book is a good compilation of traditional prayers, quotes, and practices to help deepen one's devotion to St. Joseph. As mentioned in an earlier post, this Year of St. Joseph has as a waypoint the … Continue reading St. Joseph Companion
Father. Patron. Guardian.
On December 08, 2020 the Holy Father declared a year dedicated to St. Joseph. The timing could not be better. Today, a time when crises has beset many facets of our faith and freedom, when what we hold most sacred and dear to us is being threatened, we can hear the voice of Venerable Pope … Continue reading Father. Patron. Guardian.
Pilgrim's Journal 