I grew up traveling to and from home and school making that sign of the Cross because of an old Spanish Catholic church known as The St. Joseph Parish Church. After school I try to visit this traditional altar with St. Joseph holding the child Jesus, not knowing how important this man is to the church. How I felt short in showing greater respect and devotion knowing now who St. Joseph is in the history of salvation.
The great Doctor of the Church St. Thomas Aquinas once said that “Some saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy, in certain needs, but not in others, but our holy patron St. Joseph, has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking. “
Indeed, most saints have merited special favors in heaven for their pious life, and sacrifices they have done for their great love for God. However, one saint has not only live a holy and difficult life, but actually lived with the Son of God, Jesus, and Mother of God, Mary. He provided for the Holy Family and endured great challenges as head of the family. God has given him the greatest privilege man can encounter as a human, to live with the Savior and the Mediatrix of all Grace. Can you just imagine the happiness to be with Mary and Jesus?
Here are the seven joys of the Holy Patron of the Universal Church, St. Joseph.