Patron of the Universal Church

Wednesday, June 30th, 2021

“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.”

“Introducing the Josary”

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.”

“Third Mystery: The Birth of Jesus”

. . .it is through the Holy Spirit  that this child has been conceived in her.  (Mt. 1:20)

The description of Joseph as the Virgin Father of Jesus is the most accurate title for Joseph. By definition, the terms foster father and step father are incorrect. Joseph was a virgin, like Mary. He was the virgin father and she, the virgin mother of Jesus. When Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, the Gospel of Luke tells us there was no room for them at the Inn; Jesus would be born in a stable. This must have caused Joseph great distress. And yet, it is here, away from the crowded, noisy inn, that Joseph and Mary will find quiet and intimate privacy for this miraculous birth.

Sometimes, in our own immediate circumstances,

we do not see the hand of God or even feel God’s Presence.

Go to Joseph, the Virgin Father of Jesus.

May Joseph help you to discover blessings in the unexpected.”

SOURCE: Rooney, Kathleen. “Introducing the Josary.” One With Magazine of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Spring 2021: 31-33. Print. © Kathleen Rooney, SSJ

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