March 19th – Solemnity St Joseph

March 19th – Solemnity St Joseph

 St Teresa had a very great devotion to St Joseph. She placed the first foundation of her reform under his patronage, but many years before, as a young Carmelite, she had already taken him for her special protector and she encourages us to do the same, in Chapter 6 of her Life

I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St Joseph and earnestly recommended myself to him…I don’t recall up to this day ever having petitioned him for anything that he failed to grant. It is an amazing thing the great many favours God has granted me through the mediation of this blessed saint, the dangers I was freed from both of body and soul. For with other saints it seems God has given them grace to be of help in one need, whereas with this glorious saint I have experience that he helps in all our needs and that the Lord wants us to understand that just as he was subject to St Joseph on earth – for since bearing the title of father, being the Lord’s tutor, Joseph could give the Child command – so in heaven God does whatever he commands.

…It seems to me that for some years now I have asked him for something on his feast day, and my petition is always granted. If the request is somewhat out of line, he rectifies it for my greater good…I only ask for the love of God those who do not believe me to try, and they will see through experience the great good that comes from recommending oneself to this glorious patriarch and being devoted to him. Especially persons of prayer should always be attached to him…Those who cannot find a master to teach them prayer should take this glorious saint for their master, and they will not go astray.