As hard as we try to have a positive influence on our family members, there will be occasions when a loved one drifts away from God and pursues a life contrary to the Gospel. It can be difficult to watch and often we will feel helpless, not knowing what to do.
Besides being a faithful witness of love and charity, we can also extend to them our spiritual help, praying that they turn back and embrace the loving arms of God.
That’s exactly what St. Monica did with her rebellious son, St. Augustine, and he became one of the greatest saints of all time.
Below is a prayer to St. Joseph for the intention of someone’s conversion. It is a powerful prayer, as St. Joseph is known as a great intercessor in times of need.
Oh glorious patriarch St. Joseph, who merited to be called “just” by the Holy Spirit, I urgently recommend to the soul of [Name], which Jesus redeemed at the price of his precious blood.Thou knowest how deplorable is the state and how unhappy the life of those who have banished this loving savior from their hearts, and how greatly they are exposed to the danger of losing him eternally. Permit not, I beseech thee, that a soul so dear to me should continue any longer in its evil ways; preserve it from the danger that threatens it; touch the heart of the prodigal child and conduct him back to the bosom of the fondest of fathers. Abandon him not, I implore thee, till thou hast opened to him the gates of the heavenly city, where he will praise and bless thee throughout eternity for the happiness which he will owe to thy powerful intercession.Amen.
Read more:
A prayer to Sts. Joachim and Anne for your wayward grandchildren
And today we celebrate...