Solemnity of St. Joseph

   Exactly 10 years ago today I was in St. Peter's square in the very front row listening to Pope John Paul II talk to the crowd about St. Joseph.  So naturally I'm ecstatic that today is the inaugural mass of Pope Francis! 

 

  I love this litany prayer because it reminds me of all the titles St. Joseph has and offers me the chance to reflect on his life.  He's so great!  I hope you let God spoil you today!!

  Litany of St. Joseph  

V/ Lord, have mercy.

R/ Lord, have mercy.  

V/ Christ, have mercy.

R/ Christ, have mercy.  

V/ Lord, have mercy.

R/ Lord, have mercy.  

V/ Jesus, hear us.

R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.  

V/ God, the Father of Heaven,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ God, the Holy Spirit,

R/ have mercy on us.  

V/ Holy Trinity, One God,

R/ have mercy on us.  

 

R/for ff: pray for us.

Renowned offspring of David,

Light of Patriarchs,

Spouse of the Mother of God,

Chaste guardian of the Virgin,

Foster father of the Son of God,

Diligent protector of Christ,

Head of the Holy Family,

Joseph most just,

Joseph most chaste,

Joseph most prudent,

Joseph most strong,

Joseph most obedient,

Joseph most faithful,

Mirror of patience,

Lover of poverty,

Model of artisans,

Glory of home life,

Guardian of virgins,

Pillar of families,

Solace of the wretched,

Hope of the sick,

Patron of the dying,

Terror of demons,

Protector of Holy Church,   PRAY FOR US!

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

R/ spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,

R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.

R/ have mercy on us.

He made him the lord of his household.

R/ And prince over all his possessions.   

 

Let us pray. O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever. R/ Amen.

September Baby October Baby

A few months ago when I first saw a preview on the internet for the movie "October Baby" I actually said a prayer asking God for a way to see this movie.  If I was crying during the extended trailer I knew it would be a powerful movie.  Unfortunately it was not playing in Springfield.  The closest showing was Peoria.  My husband and I value our weekends together so it wasn't likely I would say adios for a day to travel there, see the movie, and travel back.  

This past week started by my husband saying, "Oh yeah, there's a bachelor party I'm going to Saturday if that's alright."  And then my mom called, "I'd really like to see you and the kids.  You're dad's not sure how he'll be feeling so we'll decide at the end of the week if we can make it there or maybe you could come here or meet halfway."  Friday mom called, "Do you think we could meet in Peoria?"  Then it dawned on me.  My parents had some missed baby-sitting opportunities in the past because of last minute changes in our plans.  "Yes, Peoria sounds GREAT.  Do you think you can watch the kids for two hours while I go to a movie?"

So on Saturday afternoon we met up, I gave mom the car, and they went literally across the street to the Shoppes of Grand Prairie to have ice cream and play.  Dad even bought a wagon with two seats and a canopy.  When I walked up I thought the ticket guy would say, "October What?"  I thought I'd be the only one in the theater.  When I turned the corner though there was a good crowd.  By the time the movie started, people were scooting into the empty seats in between to make room for more patrons.  It was SO encouraging.  And the movie was just fantastic.  It was well casted, well written, and  not agenda driven (not to be confused with having a message).  It was just a well told and played out story that you could immerse yourself in.  It wasn't cheesy or predictable.  It was just a QUALITY screenplay.  Check out the trailer...





On Sunday the youth group I lead sponsored a talk by my friend Bonnie.  The talk was about the events of her son born a year ago September and how they have been investigated for the cause for beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen.  She did such a beautiful job.  Everyone there was moved and had only positive feedback (those from the Jr High PSR class up to those from other parishes).  Our deacon left afterward to go to the parish men's group already in progress and said he had to reprimand them because it was just the best talk they all should have been at.  Bonnie did a great job of expressing her faith and put into perspective how the recounting of her son's alleged miracle is a story about the generosity and love of God and His Church. 

Let us pray for the cause for canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen:

Heavenly Father, source of all holiness, You raise up within the Church in every age men and women who serve with heroic love and dedication. You have blessed Your Church through the life and ministry of Your faithful servant, Archbishop Fulton J Sheen. He has written and spoken well of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and was a true instrument of the Holy Spirit in touching the hearts of countless people.
If it be according to Your Will, for the honor and glory of the Most Holy Trinity and for the salvation of souls, we ask You to move the Church to proclaim him a saint. We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.