A lot of OITS families and friends joined in the Consecration to St. Joseph this year.

Here are some Reflections about St. Joseph

St. Joseph faithfully followed God’s plan for his life, including not divorcing his wife, Mary, when he found out that she was unexpectedly pregnant, until an angel reassured him in a dream (Matt. 1:18). St. Joseph cooperated with God’s grace, including guiding Mary and Jesus to Jesus’ birthplace, Bethlehem, and then to and from Egypt when Jesus’ life was threatened by Herod (Heb. 2:1-23). Afterwards, he provided for the family, so much so that he is regarded as the patron saint of workers and a patron and protector of the “Domestic Church” and the Universal Church.

The Holy Family is a model for every Catholic family. As head of the Holy Family, St. Joseph is also the patron and guardian of every “domestic” church. 

If St. Joseph were here today in 2023, in the age of this liberated era, with a distracted generation, current stresses of life, how do you think St. Joseph’s life inspires today’s family, our domestic church, which is the school of love, a primary place of formation, prayer, spiritual growth, ethics and values. We asked couple of faithfuls who shared their thoughts as follows: -

1) St. Joseph, the Modern Father and Husband to our domestic church.

Written by Carl Maulbeck from the Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling NJ.

In a Meditation, Father Judge* writes, “St. Joseph's mission was the care, the support, and the maintenance of the Holy Family. He provided food and clothing and shelter for Jesus and Mary. The care, the support, and the maintenance of the Holy Family was his mission. To accomplish this, he had in his favor brawn and an industrious disposition. The sorrows and trials, the disappointments and weariness of the working man, the provider, and the head of a family, were all his.”

St. Joseph is not only a model for us but a companion to us as we aspire to holiness. His life is a testimony to what is expected for full participation in a life of oneness with God and attentiveness in performing His will for us. Yes, St. Joseph’s life clearly presents how fidelity to God, realized through obedience, brings graces to the family and the Church.

As a father, we can rest assured that he was a generous provider and a careful guardian, which is certainly a call for modern fathers, too, as they deal with the seemingly unrelenting assaults on family life. Indeed, in today’s world, there are constant challenges that must be confronted; and it is difficult to keep familial happiness in balance with personal success. However, that is critical; familial happiness is of primary importance. Just as St Joseph made sure that the Holy Family was taken care of, the modern father must make sure the modern family is taken care of through the same constant attention and pragmatic awareness.

The matrimonial vow is sacramental and requires personal commitment and selfless sacrifice. As a husband, St Joseph, was loyal to his Call, always in all ways, and most importantly, he remained steadfast in his love for his spouse. He and Mary most certainly dealt, then just as must be done today, with trials and tribulations together with each other. St. Joseph was by every account devoted to his wife and dedicated to the fulfillment of her Call. Modern husbands are asked to do the same; to share everything in all things thus sharing grace with their partner and promoting blessings in the union.

Finally, St Joseph has graciously accepted his role in the community of God, avoiding public attention and enjoying the harmony of soulful service. His example is inspiring, and his devotion is exemplary, and we must follow. Like St Joseph, we must relish cooperation and loath the glare of attention. We cannot be all things to all people, but rather, be who is needed and do what is wanted according to our giftedness.

*Father Judge is the founder of the Shrine of St Joseph.