Day 8: Patron of the Dying
“What consolations, illuminations, and revelations of eternal good things must not the dying Saint [Joseph] have then received from his holy spouse and from the most loving and compassionate Son of God, Jesus Christ! ... ‘See Joseph lying upon a poor pallet, Jesus on one side, Mary on the other, and, above, countless bands of angels, archangels, seraphim, all in readiness devoutly to receive this holy soul.’”
– The Life and Glories of Saint Joseph, by Edward Healy Thompson
Our Lenten Effort
St. Joseph was allowed the privilege that we all yearn for: that of dying in the loving arms of Jesus and Mary. This is why he is the model of a happy death. It behooves us to pray to St. Joseph that we may receive the graces necessary for our salvation at that momentous hour, the moment of separation of our soul from our body, and our meeting with God.
Let us resolve to:
- Pray to St. Joseph for a happy death.
- Pray to St. Joseph for the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
- Pray to St. Joseph for those considering suicide or euthanasia.
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, all the mysteries of Jesus’ life were more or less mysteries of suffering, and you shared in many of them. You endured the suffering in the uncertainty regarding Mary’s virginity, in the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, and the loss of Jesus in the Temple. You were surely burdened by the sins of your own people.
You bore all this suffering in a truly Christ-like manner, silently and cheerfully, knowing well that true love is a crucified love. But God never forsook you in your trials. The trials, too, disappeared and were changed at last into consolation and joy.
God allowed your life to be filled with suffering as well as consolation to remind us that all of life is a matter of dying and rising. Teach me to gratefully accept whatever He sends me, and during the time of consolation to prepare for suffering.
Dear Saint Joseph, many have turned to you in distress and have always found in you a faithful friend. Please grant that I may unite my sufferings, works, and disappointments with Jesus and Mary, and offer them to God, who makes all things work together for the good. Amen.
