“One hundred fifty years ago, in the decree Quemadmodum Deus, Pope Pius IX proclaimed Saint Joseph Patron of the Universal Church. In celebration of that anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a ‘Year of Saint Joseph.’ The special year began December 8, 2020 and will end December 8, 2021.”
Sister Kathleen Rooney, SSJ
The Josary, created by Sister Kathleen Rooney SSJ, is like the Rosary, only the focus of the meditations is on Joseph and the mysteries of his life, not on the Blessed Mother’s. The prayer form is just like the rosary and you use rosary beads to pray the Josary. Instead of the Hail Mary, you pray the Joseph Prayer on each bead. The Joseph prayer is:
Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. Holy Joseph, Virgin Father of Jesus, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
Today we continue Sister Kathleen Rooney’s Josary mysteries both here in the bulletin and on our parish website. “All Mysteries are prayed by starting with an Our Father, 10 Josary Prayers and ending with a Glory Be.”
“Second Mystery: The Annunciation”
Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. (Mt. 1:20)
Joseph, having decided to divorce Mary quietly, now has his Annunciation. The angel appears to Joseph and tells him to take Mary into his home, the child has been conceived by the Holy Spirit, not through an act of human intimacy. Unlike with Zechariah and Mary, Scripture tells us nothing about Joseph’s reaction. Angels have now appeared to both Joseph and Mary! This is no ordinary circumstance, no ordinary child, and surely, this will be ordinary union. Plans have changed. Dreams have changed. Life has changed.
Have you ever felt in awe of God’s un-ordinary action in your life? Or astounded by unexpected changes? Go to Joseph, he knows changes, new directions, and new beginnings.”
SOURCE: Rooney, Kathleen. “Introducing the Josary.” One With Magazine of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Spring 2021: 31-33. Print. © Kathleen Rooney, SSJ