St. Martha

"Blessed be God in His angels and His saints."

Today is the feast day of St. Martha

After being away from my blog for a few months, I could not pass this day without celebrating St. Martha.

We meet St. Martha in the gospels of Luke and John. She was the sister of Lazarus and Mary and Jesus was a frequent guest at her house. In the website http://www.catholic.org/ I found the following story on St. Martha:

"Jesus loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus." This unique statement in John's gospel tells us of the special relationship Jesus had with Martha, her sister, and her brother.
Apparently Jesus was a frequent guest at Martha's home in Bethany, a small village two miles from Jerusalem. We read of three visits in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:1-53, and John 12:1-9.
Many of us find it easy to identify with Martha in the story Luke tells. Martha welcomes Jesus and his disciples into her home and immediately goes to work to serve them. Hospitality is paramount in the Middle East and Martha believed in its importance. Imagine her frustration when her sister Mary ignores the rule of hospitality and Martha's work in order to sit and listen to Jesus. Instead of speaking to her sister, she asks Jesus to intervene. Jesus' response is not unkind, which gives us an idea of his affection for her. He observes that Martha is worried about many things that distract her from really being present to him. He reminds her that there is only one thing that is truly important -- listening to him. And that is what Mary has done. In Martha we see ourselves -- worried and distracted by all we have to do in the world and forgetting to spend time with Jesus. It is, however, comforting to note that Jesus loved her just the same.
The next visit shows how well Martha learned this lesson. She is grieving the death of her brother with a house full of mourners when she hears that Jesus has just come to the area. She gets up immediately and leaves the guests, leaves her mourning, and goes to meet him.
Her conversation with Jesus shows her faith and courage. In this dialogue she states clearly without doubt that she believes in Jesus' power, in the resurrection, and most of all that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells her that he is the resurrection and the life and then goes on to raise her brother from the dead. Our final picture of Martha in Scripture is the one that sums up who she was. Jesus has returned to Bethany some time later to share a meal with his good friends. In this home were three extraordinary people. We hear how brother Lazarus caused a stir when was brought back to life. We hear how Mary causes a commotion at dinner by annointing Jesus with expensive perfume. But all we hear about Martha is the simple statement: "Martha served." She isn't in the spotlight, she doesn't do showy things, she doesn't receive spectacular miracles. She simply serves Jesus.
Prayer:
Saint Martha, pray for us that we might serve Jesus better. Help us to overcome our distractions and worries to listen to his words and be present to him this day. Amen

In another site dedicated to St. Martha, http://www.stmartha.org/ , I found the following prayer that I liked:

'St. Martha, I resort to thy protection and aid and as a proof of my affection and faith I offer this light which I shall burn every Tuesday. Comfort me in all my difficulties and through the great favor thou didst enjoy when the Savior was lodged in thy house,. Intercede for my family that we may always hold God in our hearts, and that we may be provided for in all our necessities, I ask, St. Martha, to overcome all difficulties as thou didst overcome the dragon at thy feet.'
As a Novena, this may be said for nine Tuesdays with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father."
(Father Fausto Stampiglia, STD, S.A.C. in St. Martha's Sunday Bulletin of 28 July 1996)


Although St. Martha is the patron saint of cooks and servants, she is the patron saint of my marriage because my husband and I were married on this day. Today is our anniversary.

God bless all my readers.

Happy Feast Day of St. Joseph

In many European countries today is "Father's Day." St. Joseph is the best role model for all fathers. I received the message below from Robert Ritchie, the Director of "America NEeds Fatima." I could not have a better message, so I took the liberty of sharing it with you. The website is below if you would like to visit.

Saint Joseph Prayer and Feast DayMarch 18, 2009

Dear Fatima,

Tomorrow, March 19th, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Joseph, foster-father of Our Lord, chaste spouse of Our Lady, patriarch of the Church, and protector of the needy.
Please take advantage of Saint Joseph's great intercessory power to ask for graces on his feast day. Yes, ask, ask and ask. Do not be shy in asking. For example, Saint Teresa of Avila said this about devotion to Saint Joseph:

"I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I have great experience of the blessings which he can obtain from God. I have never known anyone to be truly devoted to him and render him particular services that did not notably advance in virtue, for he gives very real help to souls who commend themselves to him. For some years now, I think, I have made some request of him every year on his festival and I have always had it granted. If my petition is in any way ill directed, he directs it aright for my greater good."

So, if you need a very special grace, I hope you will pray to Saint Joseph.
On my end, I'll be praying with you, asking Saint Joseph to hear your prayer and answer your plea with an abundant response.

Prayer to Saint Joseph

O thou, whom no one has ever yet invoked in vain, thou, whose power with Our Lord and Our Lady is so great, that it has been truly said, "In Heaven, Joseph commands rather than supplicates," tender father, intercede for me!
St. Joseph, be my advocate with thy Divine Son, Whose foster-father and faithful protector thou wert here below. Add to all thy glories, that of gaining the despaired of cause that I confide to thee. I believe, yes, I believe thou canst obtain my deliverance from the troubles that overwhelm me, and the desolation in which my soul is plunged. I have the firm hope that thou wilt neglect nothing in favor of the afflicted who invoke thee.

Humbly prostrate at thy feet, dear St. Joseph, I implore thee to have pity on my tears, cover me with the mantle of thy merciful protection and bless me. Amen.

Sincerely,
Robert E. Ritchie, Director

http://www.americaneedsfatima.org/

Devotion of the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph

As we approach the feast day of our beloved Saint Joseph, let us meditate on the seven sorrows and the seven joys that he experienced during his life as the foster father of Jesus.

The Devotion of the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph

1. The doubt of Saint Joseph (Matthew 1:19) and the Message of the Angel (Matthew 1:20)

O chaste Spouse of Mary most holy, glorious St. Joseph, great was the trouble and anguish of your heart when you were minded to put away privately your inviolate Spouse, yet your joy was unspeakable when the surpassing mystery of the Incarnation was made known to you by the Angel of God!

By this sorrow and this joy, we beseech you to comfort our souls, both now and in the sorrows of our final hour, with the joy of a good life and a holy death after the pattern of your own, in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

2. The poverty of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7) and the Birth itself (Luke 2:7)

O most blessed Patriarch, glorious St. Joseph, who was chosen to be the foster father of the Word made flesh, your sorrow at seeing the Child Jesus born in such poverty was suddenly changed into heavenly exultation when you heard the angelic hymn and beheld the glories of that resplendent night.

By this sorrow and this joy, we implore you to obtain for us the grace to pass over from life's pathway to hear the angelic songs of praise, and to rejoice in the shining splendor of celestial glory.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

3. The Circumcision (Luke 2:21) and the Holy Name of Jesus (Matthew 1:25)

O glorious St. Joseph, you faithfully obeyed the law of God, and your heart was pierced at the sight of the Precious Blood that was shed by the Infant Savior during His Circumcision, but the Name of Jesus gave you new life and filled you with quiet joy.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us the grace to be freed from all sin during life, and to die rejoicing, with the Holy Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

4. The prophecy of Simeon that many would be lost (Luke 2:34) and his prophecy that many would rise (Luke 2:34)

O most faithful Saint who shared the mysteries of our Redemption, glorious St. Joseph, the prophecy of Simeon regarding the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused you to shudder with mortal dread, but at the same time filled you with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious which, he foretold, would be attained by countless souls.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that we may be among the number of those, who through merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

5. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:14) and the Overthrow of idols (Isaias 19:1)

O most watchful Guardian of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious St. Joseph, what toil was yours in supporting and waiting upon the Son of the most high God, especially in the flight into Egypt! Yet at the same time, how you did rejoice to have always near you God Himself, and to see the idols of the Egyptians fall prostrate to the ground before Him.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us the grace of keeping ourselves in safety from the infernal tyrant, especially by flight from dangerous occasions; may every idol of earthly affection fall from our hearts; may we be wholly employed in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

6. The return from Egypt (Matthew 2:22) and Life with Mary and Jesus (Luke 2:39)

O glorious St. Joseph, an angel on earth, you did marvel to see the King of Heaven obedient to your commands, but your consolation in bringing Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by the fear of Archelaus; nevertheless, being assured by the Angel, you dwelt in gladness at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that our hearts may be delivered from harmful fears, so that we may rejoice in peace of conscience and may live in safety with Jesus and Mary and may, like you, die in their company.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . .

.

7. The loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:45) and Finding Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46)

O glorious St. Joseph, pattern of all holiness, when you did lose, through no fault of your own, the Child Jesus, you sought Him sorrowing for the space of three days, until with great joy, you found Him again in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors.

By this sorrow and this joy, we supplicate thee, with our hearts upon our lips, to keep us from ever having the misfortune to lose Jesus through mortal sin; but if this supreme misfortune should befall us, grant that we may seek Him with unceasing sorrow until we find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; so that we may pass over to enjoy His presence in Heaven; and there in company with you, may we sing the praises of His Divine mercy forever.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

Antiphon: And Jesus Himself was beginning about the age of thirty, being the Son of Joseph.

V. Pray for us, O holy Joseph,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray. O God, Who in Your ineffable Providence did vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother, grant we beseech You, that he whom we venerate as our protector on earth may be our intercessor in Heaven. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

These prayers, with additions and adaptions, were found in the website: http://www.catholictradition.org/Joseph/joseph9.htm

The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of prayer. One ancient form of prayer is the litany, a prayer of petitions and responses. We rely on the saints in heaven to help us through their prayers and a Litany helps us to focus on the Saint’s special power before the throne of God. Litanies take Psalm 136 as their example. It begins by thanking God and then listing a number of reasons for thanking. Each reason is followed by the refrain "His love endures forever." A litany is one of the many tools available to help Catholics pray.

Litany to St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
Renowned offspring of David, Pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, Pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, Pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Pray for us.
Foster Father of the Son of God, Pray for us.
Diligent protector of Christ, Pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Joseph most Just, Pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, Pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, Pray for us.
Joseph most strong, Pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, Pray for us.
Joseph most faithful. Pray for us.
Mirror of patience, Pray for us.
Lover of poverty, Pray for us.
Model of artisans, Pray for us.
Glory of home life, Pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, Pray for us.
Pillar of families, Pray for us.
Solace of the wretched, Pray for us.
Hope of the sick, Pray for us.
Patron of the dying, Pray for us.
Terror of demons, Pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, Pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us!

He made him the Lord of His household.
And Prince over all His possessions.

Let us Pray
O God, in Your ineffable providence You were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother; grant we beseech You, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector. Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

Unfailing Prayer to Saint Joseph

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intersession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all the spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having engaged here below thy Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee with Jesus asleep in thy arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy 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

This is my favorite prayer to Saint Joseph. Can you picture this loving father with the baby asleep in his arms and that baby is our Saviour, Jesus Christ? It is suggested that we pray this prayer for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.

On a copy of this prayer that I have, it says:

"Whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on them. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned by any fire, nor will they be defeated in battle."

It has an imprimatur by the Most Rev. George W. Ahr, Bishop of Trenton.

Saint Joseph

This blog is dedicated to Saint Joseph, husband of Mary, foster father of Jesus. The Bible tells us little about this humble man, but through his actions, it does tell us of his humility and willingness to obey and serve God. Joseph was part of God's plan for our salvation. The Eternal Father needed a man who was willing to be a good example to all, a good husband, a caring father, a helpful neighbor, an upstanding member of his community. The Eternal Father needed someone to be a guardian and protector of Mary, the Mother of God, and Jesus, His only Son. Throughout this blog, I would like to share what I have learned about this man. If God trusted him to watch over His only Son, we can trust him to watch over our dear ones and help us with our cares and problems.