Joseph’s Dreams

Thursday, July 8th, 2021

A YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH

Sister Kathleen Rooney, SSJ

“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

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.”

“Fourth Mystery – Joseph’s Dreams

Aside from his Annunciation, Joseph has three dreams regarding the safety of the child Jesus. (Matthew 2:13-15, 2:19-21 and 2:22-23)

The first of these dreams was the call to flee to Egypt for Herod was seeking to kill the child. It is a dream with such urgency that, in the middle of the night, Joseph will leave with Mary and Jesus for Egypt. Leaving all behind, they are now refugees.

Joseph’s second dream is for the family to return home, as Herod and those who sought to kill Jesus are now dead. What relief they must have felt knowing they were now safe and what utter joy that they could now return home to their families and their country!

In the third dream, Joseph’s instinct not to return to Judea is confirmed by the angel. The Holy Family will instead go to Nazareth in Galilee.

Go to Joseph for the protection and safety of your loved ones and seek his courage in following your dreams.”

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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