Many rosary devotees may ponder the grace of a happy death — one of my favorite reflections is the fourth glorious mystery — the Assumption of Mary. Just a couple of weeks ago we celebrated that Church dogma as a holy day of obligation. And just a week after that came the Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Come Sept. 8 we celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Mother — her birthday! Although the Bible tells us very little about her birth, it must have been supernaturally special if the angel Gabriel addressed her as “full of grace” (Lk 1:28) via the Annunciation — the first joyful mystery. And we can gather a lot about who Mary is from what sacred Scripture reveals to us about the life of Christ. Simply pray and meditate via a scriptural rosary — Mary is everywhere in it leading us to Jesus.
Catholic Watchmen enjoy all this lovely celebratory fuss about Mary for several reasons. One, St. Joseph has been the patron saint of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ men’s movement since its beginning about 10 years ago. If we are to “strive to be a spiritual father like St. Joseph,” being true to our third daily discipline, our concern for the Blessed Mother is paramount. St. Joseph’s life was centered on taking care of the Holy Family and we are to model him and take care of our families and others in need until the end of our days. St. Joseph’s role was significant as provider, protector, teacher and leader of the trio. We know little of the hidden years, but according to Church tradition, St. Joseph likely died before Jesus’ public ministry, and we ask his prayers for a peaceful death. The prayers of St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother — she whose assumption into heaven gave witness to the grace of a happy death — are especially powerful for the departed soul.
As a funeral planner for my assigned parish as a deacon, I ask for St. Joseph’s intercession as the patron of departed souls, many times with families as we prepare for the Mass of Christian Burial for the loved one who died.
This might be a gloomy thought for many, but preparing for the end of life here on Earth has its challenges, its rewards and hence planning is needed. Prayers and preparation are essential for the healing and comfort of the family as they work through the loss of their loved one. It is a work of mercy to properly bury the dead, which is a reason we plan (and sometimes pre-plan) for the time when a loved one goes to meet the Lord.
In this day of relativism, we argue about a lot of things, but here is a salient truth: “Someday we will die.” We should want Mary and Joseph in our lives because they were closest to Jesus and can lead us to new life in him — now and in the grace of a blessed and happy death.
Deacon Bird ministers to St. Joseph in Rosemount and All Saints in Lakeville and assists with the archdiocesan Catholic Watchmen movement. See heroicmen.com for tools supported by the archdiocese to enrich parish apostolates for ministry to men. For Watchmen start-up materials or any other questions regarding ministry to men, contact him at gordonbird@rocketmail.com.
