Yesterday was the Feast of Saint Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is one of two feasts honoring Joseph (the other, May 1st - Saint Joseph the Worker). As Patron of the Universal Church, Joseph holds a special place of honor and respect in our hearts. Here is what Saint Bernadine of Siena had to say of Joseph. It comes from the Office of Readings for the feast.
"What then is Joseph's position in the whole Church of Christ? Is he not a man chosen and set apart? Through him and, yes, under him, Christ was fittingly and honorably introduced into the world. Holy Church in its entirety is indebted to the Virgin Mother because through her it was judged worthy to receive Christ. But after her we undoubtedly owe special gratitude and reverence to Saint Joseph.
In him the Old Testament finds its fitting close. He brought the noble line of patriarchs and prophets to its promised fulfillment. What the divine goodness had offered as a promise to them, he held in his arms."
We pray: "Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally, Amen"
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