Today, like never before, during this time marked by a global crisis made up of several factors, St. Joseph can offer us support, consolation, and guidance.
Jesus was not born in Jerusalem, with all the court… no, he was born in a periphery and he spent his life in that periphery until the age of 30, working as a carpenter like Joseph.
“But look at this Teacher,” say the doctors of the law, “Look at this Teacher: he eats with sinners, he gets dirty.” He also goes in search of those who have done no evil but have suffered it: the sick, the hungry, the poor, the least. Jesus always goes towards the peripheries. And this should bring us great trust because the Lord knows the peripheries of our heart, the peripheries of our soul, the peripheries of our society, of our city, of our family, that is, that slightly obscure part that we do not show, perhaps out of shame.
To all the men and women who live in the most forgotten geographical peripheries of the world, or who experience situations of existential marginality, may you find in Saint Joseph the witness and protector to look to.
St. Joseph,
Comfort those who feel alone
and support those who work silently
to defend life and human dignity. Amen.
~ Pope Francis, November 17, 2021
Novena prayer:
Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome.
My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power. Amen.
List your intentions.
And today we celebrate...