Day 6: Terror of Demons
“This name [Joseph] defeats every plot of the internal foe, dissipates every baleful temptation, puts the devils to flight, and makes Hell itself tremble. Blessed is he who often in life invokes it; He who has this holy name engraven on his brow and on his heart has a sure pledge of his salvation.”
– The Life and Glories of Saint Joseph, by Edward Healy Thompson
Our Lenten Effort
We are assailed daily by temptations to sin from the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our Lord taught us how to defeat temptation when He was tempted by the devil after his 40 day fast in the desert. It is our obligation to refrain from entertaining temptation, lest we fall into sin. Let us invoke St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, when we encounter temptations.
Let us resolve to:
- Pray to St. Joseph for aid against temptations.
- Pray to St. Joseph against the demons assailing Holy Mother Church.
- Receive the Sacrament of Penance often.
Novena Prayer
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.
(Here mention your request)
Saint Joseph, I venerate you as the gentle head of the Holy Family. You lived, moved, and acted in the loving company of Jesus and Mary, and even died in their arms. Your family life at Nazareth radiated divine charity. Jesus chose to fulfill toward you all the duties of a faithful son, showing you every mark of honor and affection due to a parent, and Mary loved you as a devoted wife.
You responded to this love and veneration with the deepest love and respect. You had for Jesus a true fatherly love, and your love for Mary grew stronger every day.
God has made you the patron of family life because of how peacefully and happily the Holy Family rested under the care of your fatherly rule. You are the patron and intercessor of families, and you deserve a place in every home.
Saint Joseph, please obtain God’s blessing upon my own family. Make our home and the home of each Christian family the kingdom of Jesus and Mary—a kingdom of peace, of joy, and love.
Grant that we may be reunited in God’s Kingdom and eternally live in the company of the Holy Family in heaven. Amen.