Posted on 06/15/2004 10:24:01 PM PDT by Salvation
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MORE THAN PATRON OF HOMES, IT'S TIME FOR ST. JOSEPH TO GAIN HIGHEST OF RECOGNITION
By Michael H. Brown
Much of the time, it is baffling. While St. Joseph is widely recognized by Catholics (many churches and religious orders are named for him, as are many people), he has remained in the background when it comes to intercession. Oh, his prayers are sought. He is on the list. But he has not been granted recognition in proportion to who he was -- the father of Jesus while He was on earth.
Perhaps St. Joseph is kept in the background by the design of providence. No one is saying that he has gone completely ignored. But it may be time for the Church (if it so discerns) to rectify the situation. We are open to the possibility that St. Joseph himself desired to be hidden as a manifestation of his incomparable humbleness. Maybe it is just the way it is supposed to be. But I really wonder, and I think that too often we overlook a great intercessor -- one whose time has come.
True, there are those churches named for him, and a good number of statues. But how many splendid images are there? How much focus? How many miracles attributed?
When we want a picture of St. Joseph it always takes a good deal of searching, yet this is a saint who is remarkably powerful and should be up there in our neediest supplications (just below the Blessed Mother and Archangel Michael, in our estimation).
Let every altar pay homage to this remarkably effective saint! Unbeknown to many, St. Joseph has been behind thousands of miraculous healings. We believe there is something to be said about the "Our Lady of America" revelations to an Ohio nun named Mildred Mary Neuzil. During one apparition, the Blessed Mother -- in messages granted an official imprimatur -- was quoted as telling the nun: "My holy spouse has an important part to play in bringing peace to the world." If we pay heed to those apparitions, the current world situation -- and the lack of peace -- is another indication that his time has come.
Consider who this man was. Consider the extraordinarily important role he had in bringing the Savior -- the Prince of Peace -- into the world.
If not for his humility, would he have accepted a wife pregnant by inexplicable means? Would he have given up everything to protect that Infant? And was he not a seer himself? Was he not the one granted dreams indicating where they should journey in order to avoid persecution?
This is a hugely major saint, far larger than just the saint we go to when we want to sell a house (although in this, as we can attest, he is tremendous!). Those who honor him are promised his escort into Heaven.
He is the protector of our homes as he was the protector of the Holy Family.
The famous healer Blessed Andre of Montreal said his cures took place at the behest of Joseph, and according to Sister Neuzil, Jesus and Mary now desire that Joseph's pure heart, so long hidden and unknown, be honored in a special way. Sister Neuzil even offered a new devotion: recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary on the first Wednesday of the month. She claimed the saint appeared to her in a brown cloak with a purplish hue, his belt gold, as were his sandals. She described his face as both young and mature -- the facial lines purposeful and strong but softened by a gentle serenity.
"He seemed suspended, as it were, a short distance above what had the appearance of a large globe with clouds moving about it," claimed Sister Neuzil, whose apparitions have come the closest of any in America to official recognition [see archive]. "His head was slightly raised, the eyes gazing upward as if in ecstasy. The hands were in a position similar to that of the priest during the celebration of Holy Mass, only they extended upward somewhat more."
A dove hovered over his head.
"Let them receive Holy Communion in union with the love with which I received the Savior for the first time and each time I held Him in my arms," Sister Neuzil quoted him as saying. "All fatherhood is blest in me whom the Eternal Father chose as His representative on earth, the Virgin-Father of His own Divine Son. Through me the Heavenly Father has blessed all fatherhood, and through me He continues and will continue to do so till the end of time."
His fatherhood -- he explained -- extends to all of God's children.
He watches over us with the Blessed Virgin. His was perfect obedience to the Divine Will -- and in this incredible accomplishment is his power. We remember this especially as we approach Father's Day.
"Let fathers also imitate my great purity of life and the deep respect I held for my Immaculate Spouse," he told Sister Neuzil. "Let them be an example to their children and fellow men, never willfully doing anything that would cause scandal among God's people.
"Fatherhood is from God, and it must once again take its rightful place among men."
[resources: Our Lady of America messages]
The Oratory in Montreal is absolutely gorgeous! We were there in 1985, and what was stunning was the collection of crutches and walkers put aside after people were healed as a result of St. Joseph's intercession.
I read this earlier this a.m. (pregnant insomnia), and thought of my wonderful husband. I pray for St. Joseph's intercession for him quite often.
If you wouldn't mind, would you all say a quick prayer for my husband the next day or two? We found out this morning that I am 4 cm dialated (I am due in 4 days) and we'll be making that trip to the hospital any time now! He will be home alone with our two little ones while I am in the hospital, and I am sure he could use the prayers :)
Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Prayer Ping List.
Please address your prayers to Okies love Dubya 2;
Prayers for you and your husband and the little one! Do you know if it is a girl or a boy yet?
Geez, I wish I was closer. I would volunteer to help babysit!!!!!
God Bless all of you!
Prayers for a quick and easy delivery and a healthy baby!
Well, my OB is fairly certain (90-95% sure) it's a girl, but even with two ultrasounds he couldn't get a clear shot!
IF it does turn out to be a girl, she will be Brooke Elizabeth. If it is a boy--Michael Porter. We have a 6-year-old girl and a 21 month old boy already.
Thank you for the prayers! I am excited and scared at the same time!
Awww, thank you! Our neighbors who live behind us are watching the kids while we are at the hospital (they have two daughters that are best friends with our 6-year-old). My mother will be flying in a day or so after this little on is born.
Thank you for the prayers--we are very excited about this, even if she is the third! A new baby is always exciting!
Thank you for the prayers! My last baby came in 7.5 hours, so hopefully we will have an easy time with this one too!
God Bless You!
Christie
Momma to 2 little ones and a third coming any hour now!
Thanks for post. The thought is staggering that God entrusted His Son to St. Joseph. What a testament.
Prayer ping here, too. :)
>>even if she is the third! A new baby is always exciting!
Some of us would have liked to have had that third. Babies are always a blessing.
(can you share her name?)
see post 26
OLD2 --
You have my prayers! Congratulations in advance for your little miracle!
Thank you! I am still sitting here at home, waiting for something to happen. The contractions are pretty irregular but getting more uncomfortable.
How is your wife doing? I was just thinking about you all the other day. I hope her pregnancy is going well.
Brooke Elizabeth was born on Thursday, June 17th at 2:15 p.m. at 7 lbs 5 oz and 19 inches. Baby and Mom (me) doing great!
Congratulations to you!
Father's Day Ping for all fathers! (Including this new one!)
Congrats!
Good job ;-D
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