By Sister Mary Jeanne, O.C.D.
My introduction to the great Saint Joseph came as a young child through my parents. When my brother, Joseph was born, a year before me, my parents purchased a statue of his patron, Saint Joseph, for his room. When I was born the next year, I received a statue of Our Blessed Mother. Both statues were covered with a glass globe and glowed in the dark, giving them an almost celestial radiance. As we grew, Joe and I learned early on that Our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph were special protectors.
Over my many years as a Carmelite Sister, I have developed a friendship with many canonized and uncanonized saints. My go-to saint for everything, however, is Saint Joseph, who has a great place in Carmelite Spirituality. In 1680 at the General Chapter of the Carmelite Order, he was unanimously chosen as Principal Patron of the Order. Pope Benedict XIV who reigned as pontiff from August 17, 1740 – May 3, 1758 stated “the general opinion of the learned is that the Fathers of Carmel were the first to bring from East to West the laudable custom of honoring Saint Joseph with particular devotion.” Saint Teresa of Ávila is credited with being a major promoter of devotion to Saint Joseph during the sixteenth century. Our beloved Mother Foundress, Mother Luisita, also had a great devotion to Saint Joseph, which she learned from her parents, who consecrated their home to him at the beginning of their married life. The list could go on and on. I don’t believe I could name a single Carmelite saint who was not devoted to Saint Joseph.
Nothing is too great or too small for Saint Joseph to handle. I have experienced asking petitions ranging from the miraculous, including the healing of my nephew from a tragic accident which occurred on the feastday of Saint Joseph the Worker, to the minutest and he has answered them all in a special way. This is not surprising since God the Father entrusted His greatest treasures, Jesus and Mary, to His care.
And, so, I humbly join a long line of Carmelites in recommending Saint Joseph, first to your study and imitation of his life, and then to recommending that you develop a lasting friendship and devotion to him. You will not be disappointed – guaranteed!
