Devotions to St. Joseph/Lenten sacrifices

Q A few weeks ago you discussed the seven sorrows and joys of Mary.  Are there similar devotions to St. Joseph?

A Yes, there are.  Father Donald Calloway, in his book “Consecration of St. Joseph, the Wonders of Our Spiritual Father,” discusses the seven sorrows and joys of St. Joseph.  In the 16th century, devotion to St. Joseph’s seven sorrows began.  The devotion consists of praying an Our Father, a Hail Mary and a Glory Be after reflecting on these seven sorrows:

St. Joseph Resolves to Leave Mary Quietly – After learning Mary is pregnant, St. Joseph is willing to leave behind his beloved to protect her.

The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth - St. Joseph’s pain at the lowly poverty of Jesus’ birthplace.

The Circumcision – Watching Jesus’ circumcision, Jesus’ first blood he shed for us.

The Prophecy of Simeon  – Listening to the painful prophetic message from Simeon that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul.

The Flight into Egypt – Having to take Mary and Jesus into exile, into a foreign country, without knowing anyone there.

The Return from Egypt – The hard trip back from Egypt to Nazareth, at least 120 miles, all on foot or maybe with a donkey.

The Loss of the Child Jesus – Searching frantically for Jesus for three days in Jerusalem.

In the 18th century, Blessed Januarius Maria Sarnelli added another dimension to the seven sorrows – the joys of St. Joseph:

St. Joseph’s Annunciation –  The angel’s message explaining Mary’s pregnancy, that he should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife.

The Birth of the Savior –Despite the poverty of Jesus’ birthplace, there was great joy at the savior’s birth.

The Holy Name of Jesus –Having the honor of naming Jesus.  The angel requested this name for him “because he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). 

The Effects of the Redemption – Simeon’s prophecy that Jesus was the light for the revelation to the gentiles and the glory of his people.

The Overthrow of the Idols of Egypt – St. Joseph bringing the living God to crush Egyptian idols, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah: “The idols of Egypt tremble before him, the hearts of the Egyptians melt within them.”

Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth – A holy life for the Holy Family in Nazareth, where Jesus grew in wisdom and strength.

The Finding of the Child Jesus – The joy of being reunited with Jesus after finding him in the Temple after three days.

There are various ways to pray this devotion.  Some will even spread this devotion over seven weeks, either on Wednesdays (the traditional day that we remember St. Joseph) or on Sundays (when we remember the Resurrection).  After reflecting on that particular day’s sorrows and joys, seven Our Fathers and seven Hail Marys are prayed.  However when we pray this devotion, our focus should be on the Scripture and the role that St. Joseph played in our salvation.

Q Lent will be here before we know it.  What should I do for Lent?

A Every year, most of us ask this question.  I came across this article, “20 Out-of-the-Box Things to Do for Lent” from Ascension Press Media.  Here are several of those suggestions:

Daily Mass with a twist:  Attend a daily Mass, at least once a week, but add a twist.  Offer up that Mass for someone in your life and send them a note letting them know what you did for them.

Pray like a monk – Pray the Liturgy of the Hours.  There is a free app (iBreviary) with all of the prayers.  Try to pray at least the Morning and Evening Prayers, maybe 10 minutes each.

Take a staycation pilgrimage:  You do not have to go to the Holy Land for a pilgrimage.  Take a trip to St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge, or visit several other churches in your area.

Do your own Stations of the Cross:  If you can’t attend the stations at your church, you can do your own.  You can compose your own meditations on each station or purchase a prayer book that includes the stations, such as the Pieta Prayer Book.  Pray the stations at home.

Lectio Divina: Read the Bible daily during Lent but don’t just read it.  Pick a certain passage each day, read it slowly, meditate on a word or phrase that stood out to you.  Pray about it and open your mind and heart to God, rest with him.

Visit “20 Out-of-the-Box Things to Do for Lent” for the complete list.

Deacon Hooper is a deacon assistant at Immaculate Conception Church in Denham Springs. He can be reached at [email protected].