The Catholic Spirit asked our readers what St. Joseph means to them, given the current Year of St. Joseph. The following is one response. The Church celebrates the Solemnity of St. Joseph March 19.
I remember, in my childhood, my mother, who greatly revered the Holy Family and St. Joseph’s virtues of humility and purity, explaining to us the significance of the lilies on his staff. Then in my adulthood, two Anglican colleagues, witnessing to St. Joseph’s powerful efficacy in answering prayers, got my attention. That is when I decided to “go to St. Joseph.” When some grim conditions arose in our workplace, we began our day praying together before a statue of St. Joseph, handing the day to him. Thereafter, many good things happened. We also noticed our Buddhist chauffeur placing flowers before the statue. He was seeking employment overseas, and he was successful. Later, one of the colleagues became a Catholic.
When I “went to Joseph” first, I received an awesome gift that kept deepening. A tender love for St. Joseph, enmeshed with admiration and trust, took root in my heart. He became my spiritual father as truly as Jesus is my brother and Mary, my mother. St. Joseph is the greatest father that ever walked the earth. Similar to Joseph of Egypt, St. Joseph provides from the granary of God. He saved our Savior from Herod. He protects me, too. He is the perfect model of humility, chastity, courage, unwavering commitment and obedience. St. Joseph always obeyed God, ungrudgingly accepting tremendous difficulties and dangers related to his lofty mission. He is my “silent hero.” His silence makes his magnificent deeds all the more glorious.
Lilee Perera
Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul
“Readers Respond” is a new feature in The Catholic Spirit. Respond to our next question: “What sacred image at your parish inspires your faith; how and why?” in 200 words or less to CatholicSpirit@archspm.org with “Readers Respond” in the subject line.
