March 19th

The Solemnity of Saint Joseph

This is one of my favorite images of St. Joseph.

As the story goes, a pilgrim took a picture of a statue of Saint Joseph holding the child Jesus. After developing the image, he was surprised to see a much different pose.

Saint Joseph was looking down at the child Jesus rubbing his eyes.

I enjoy the picture particularly because of the common gesture of a tired child and the loving gaze of his father. I love that in the traditional prayer found below we ask Saint Joseph to kiss baby Jesus who lies asleep in his arms

As we pray:

St. 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 St. 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 St. 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. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Amen.