St. Teresa of Avila was profoundly devoted to St. Joseph. Early in her autobiography, she tells how she took Joseph as her "advocate and lord" when she was seriously ill: "I have experience that he helps in all our needs."
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 9: Mercy
St. Thérèse writes, “This God of goodness and mercy will magnificently reward not only the striking things done for Him, but also the simple desires to serve Him and love Him, because He sees everything.”
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 8: Pleasing to God
Scripture says, “there were some who pleased God and were loved by him.” St. Thérèse places these words in the mouth of St. Joseph: if you knew how to grasp the truth that Mary reveals, “you would seek only what would make your soul pleasing to God.”
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 7: Happiness
St. Thérèse writes, "happiness does not consist in having wealth but in humbly submitting your will to that of God." Scripture affirms that for "the man who fears the Lord, whether rich or poor, his heart is content."
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 6: If you knew
When Jacob awoke from his dream at Bethel, he said: “Surely the Lord is in this place—and I did not know it!” St. Joseph says to us as well, “If you knew the name!...”
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 5: He knows
"The Lord knows the days of the blameless," scripture says. St. Thérèse of Lisieux suggests that blameless and humble St. Joseph found it difficult to accept that he was "in charge of transmitting the orders of Heaven" to the Mother of his God.
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 4: God’s heart
St. Thérèse indicates that Mary told Joseph to sleep: “Rest in peace under the gaze of Him whose heart is always watching.” Once asleep, he heard God’s message: “Flee to Egypt.”
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 3: Workman
When Jesus went to his hometown the people were amazed: “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?” St. Thérèse says Joseph was amazed and humbled: “Must Jesus become a poor workman like me?”
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 2: He looks
Scripture says, “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.” St. Joseph is rapt in amazement at the Infant's gaze, telling Mary, "He looks at me, His poor, unworthy servant." Let Jesus gaze at you!
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St. Joseph Novena 2023, Day 1: Service
Scripture says, “the fruit of good labors is renowned.” St. Joseph responds to Mary: “Let me spend my energy in the service of Jesus. It is for Him and for you that I work.”
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St. Joseph Novena 2023: Introduction
Fr. Quang D. Tran, SJ says his mother encouraged him to send prayer intentions to St. Joseph; “waiting lines for Jesus and Mary were always too long.” Join us as we go to Joseph for speedy prayer!
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Quote of the day, 30 December: St. Mary of Jesus Crucified
In her unpublished notebooks, St. Mary of Jesus Crucified sings her praise to the Holy Family; “Glory and love to Jesus, to Mary, to Saint Joseph. Glory to all the Saints…”
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St. John of the Cross Novena 2022, Day 6: Hope
St John of the Cross explains: “hope always pertains to the unpossessed object. If something were possessed there could no longer be hope for it.” The annunciation to St Joseph give us hope, as well.
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St. Thérèse of Lisieux Novena 2022, Day 3: St. Joseph, Protector of Carmel
“Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went,” is one section of St. Joseph’s theme music in the Gospels. St. Thérèse knows how to sing that song, too, in Carmelite style: “Joseph, O tender Father, protect Carmel!”
Quote of the day, 13 August: Jessica Powers
Many of Jessica Powers poems have been published in various anthologies and journals. But one poem was commissioned by the Carmel of Terre Haute to accompany a special image of St. Joseph that they desired to publish as a prayer card. We hope that you enjoy her captivating verse.
Quote of the day, 19 March: St. John of the Cross
I have not forgotten your business matter, but nothing more can be done now, although I have a great desire to do so. Entrust this earnestly to God and take our Lady and St. Joseph as your advocates in it.
St. Joseph Novena 2022, Day 9: St. Joseph the Real Estate Agent
"He made a document, I saw the writing: it is in all languages... A founder!… my heart leaps with gladness. [The Carmel of Nazareth] is endowed!"
St. Joseph Novena 2022, Day 8: St. Joseph the Intercessor
I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph and earnestly recommended myself to him...It is an amazing thing the great many favors God has granted me through the mediation of this blessed saint, the dangers I was freed from both of body and soul.
St. Joseph Novena 2022, Day 7: St. Joseph Speaks
St. Thérèse of Lisieux wrote a small play about the flight into Egypt and St. Joseph has a speech in the play about God's goodness and mercy. God "will magnificently reward not only the striking things done for Him, but also the simple desires to serve Him and love Him, because He sees everything."
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