In former days, before Pope Pius XII instituted the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on the 1st May, today, the Wednesday of the second week after the Easter Octave, was celebrated as the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Virgin Mary, Confessor and Patron of the Universal Church, with an octave. Attentive souls will have noticed that Holy Mother Church often gives us a 'cheerful' feast later in the year, which may be observed with due solemnity, to mirror those which are invariably celebrated in Lent.
This year, being established by the Holy Father Pope Francis as the Year of Saint Joseph, there is good reason to note this glorious day, and to increase our prayers to Saint Joseph during this coming week.
Pray especially for all those who are making the Consecration to Saint Joseph this year. All Catholics should consider seriously adding this level of supernatural assistance to their spiritual life. (See HERE. Buy book HERE.)
MEMORARE OF SAINT JOSEPH
Memorare, O purissime Sponse Virginis Mariæ, non esse auditum a sæculo, quemquam ad tua currentem præsidia, tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia ad te venio, tibique fervide me commendo. Noli, O Pater putative Redemptoris, verba mea despicere; sed audi propitius et exaudi. Amen.
Remember, O most pure Spouse of the Virgin Mary, never was it heard that anyone who implored thy help nor sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I come to thee, to thee do I fervently commend myself. Despise not my petitions, I beseech thee, O foster Father of the Redeemer, but graciously hear and answer them. Amen.
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