{"id":873,"date":"2026-04-07T15:34:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T15:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/?p=873"},"modified":"2026-04-07T15:54:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T15:54:22","slug":"novena-to-st-joseph-terror-of-demons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/with-index\/novena-to-st-joseph-terror-of-demons\/","title":{"rendered":"Novena to St. Joseph Terror of Demons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

INTROD U CTION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I beg St. Joseph, with the love and generosity with which he cared for Jesus, to guard your soul, and, as he defended it from Herod, so protect your soul from a fiercer Herod: The Devil!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, Terror of demons, Artisan of the Inner Life, You Who by Your humility and obedience received from God the power and mission to crush the head of Satan, we humbly ask you to send us the heavenly legions so that, at Your command, they may pursue the demons, fight them everywhere, repress their cunning and their plans and return them to hell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O good and tender Father, Terror of Demons, protect me and make me grow in hope and love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O Father of the angelic legions, send the holy angels to defend us and to drive out from us the cruel infernal enemy. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, intercede for us before the Holy of Holies, Most Holy Trinity, be our refuge and inner teacher, and together with your spouse, Our Most Holy Mother and the Holy Angels and Archangels, defend and guard us. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 WHY \u201cTERROR OF DEMONS\u201d?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Seen from our point of view, it is because of His efficacy and powerful effect on demons in our lives that we seek refuge in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who turn to St. Joseph for His intercession keep Satan at bay. That is what the Church has always experienced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the devotees of St. Joseph appeal to Him and take advantage of His influence, He protects us against the wiles of the prince of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evil retreats in the presence of Saint Joseph, because He is pure and demons cannot resist purity since the devil is by nature and definition an impure being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The demons flee before the presence of Saint Joseph because they cannot comprehend such purity of spirit and conduct. How did a man dedicate His entire life to taking care of  a family without being the biological father or without even having “intimate relations\u201d with His wife? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scriptures defines Him as a righteous man in the eyes of the Lord and truly that is why He was chosen, by God Himself, to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God entrusted Him with the two people He loved the most in the world and He led Him, through His angel, to fulfill His mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, so that He would not abandon Mary after Her pregnancy, then, that She would flee to Egypt because of Herod’s threat, and, finally, that She would return to Israel. Possibly there were many other occasions when He received guidance from God that are not recorded in Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is why the tradition of the Church considers Him as the Patron and Protector of the Universal Church -the guardian of the Bride of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And He was certainly the person whom the demons would have liked to attack the most, but His integrity allowed Him to defend Himself and that is why today He is the man most listened to by Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fallen angels tried to seduce St. Joseph even in the smallest things, such as talking needlessly, but they were never able to tempt Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great saint from Portugal, Blessed Alessandrina da Costa<\/strong>, heard the following from the mouth of Jesus Himself: “Ask me whatever you want of the One who, on earth, was My foster-father. Ask St. Joseph, and tell all, to make their requests to Me, through whom they can obtain from Heaven, what all the saints together are unable to accomplish.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is worth mentioning what St. Teresa of Jesus<\/strong> said about St. Joseph: “I do not remember, having ever asked anything of Him which He has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favors which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and of the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul. To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succor us in some of our necessities but of this glorious saint my experience is that He succors us in them all and that the Lord wishes to teach us that as He was Himself subject to Him on earth (for being His guardian and being called His Father, He could command Him) just so in Heaven He still does all that He asks.” (Book of Life, chap. VI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do we suffer from oppression by the Evil One? St. Joseph is the “Terror of Demons.” Let us invoke Him as such. And if we are in a state of grave sin, let us sincerely renounce that sin and seek a priest to make a good confession; then peace will return to our hearts. Satan cannot stand the intercession of St. Joseph because he has never been able to divert Him from His path. St. Joseph has overcome him by His unfailing obedience to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Catherine Labour\u00e9 <\/strong>(2 January 1806 \/ \u271d31 December 1876)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Catherine Labour\u00e9 was dying in the Rue du Bac in Paris. Our Lady had given her the Miraculous Medal. Catherine was known as the “saint of silence.” Very few of her words have been recorded, but we know that shortly before her death, her nephews asked her:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Auntie, to whom should we pray at the moment of your death?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo the Terror of Demons!\u201d she answered. \u201cAnd when the devil tries to impose on you thoughts of lies, of impurity, of hate, or envy, pray this little prayer: \u2018St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect me!\u2019 And say it on each of your fingers. St. Joseph will then freeze those thoughts. That’s all! And if the thoughts return, then proceed in the same way: \u2018St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect me!\u2019 Repeat this prayer as many times as you have fingers in your hands and you will win the battle.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Bartolo Longo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Bartolo Longo, who in his time was a satanist, converted and became a devotee of the Holy Rosary. Blessed Bartolo recommended going to St. Joseph:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is a great blessing for souls to be under the protection of the saint whose name makes demons tremble and flee.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Such is its fame that the appellation “Terror of Demons” is introduced into the Litanies of St. Joseph. And it is recommended to entrust oneself to Him in order to ward off the evil one. His purity and deep faith in the Lord make it impossible for the devil to stand near Him, or even to speak His name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Bartolo had a great devotion to St. Joseph. He was particularly attached to His title of “Terror of Demons.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your name, St. Joseph, is the joy of Heaven, the honor of earth, and the comfort of mortals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your name invigorates the weak, comforts the afflicted, heals the sick, softens hardened hearts, helps us in temptation, frees us from the deceptions of the devil, obtains all gifts, and shares in the power of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of St. Bartolo Longo: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProstrate at Your feet, O Great Saint, I venerate You as the Father of My Lord and My God. You are The Head of My Family, the Guardian of the Holy Church, and the Patron of all Christians. I invoke Your most powerful name, \u2018Terror of Demons,\u2019 to protect me from all evil and lead me closer to God\u2019s love and mercy. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of St. Bartolo Longo:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, Vicar of the Holy Spirit, in fulfilling the duties of Your wonderful Marriage with Mary, introduce the Holy Spirit to my will in order to ignite it with God\u2019s Holy Love. Present my will to the Most Holy Trinity so that my desires may always be at God\u2019s disposal. Offer my heart to God so that He may dwell in it as on a throne of love and mercy. Present the movements of my soul and all the affections of my heart to God so that through Your intercession I will always be faithful to the grace and inspirations of the Holy Spirit. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Novena to St. Joseph Terror of Demons<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to such an exceptional position of dignity as Terror of Demons (Recite 3 Glory Be\u2019s…)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HAIL JOSEPH:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hail Joseph, full of grace, the Lord is always with you, blessed are you among humanity and blessed is Your Son Jesus, fruit of the womb of Your beloved spouse the Ever-Virgin Mary. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, guardian of Jesus and Mary, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen. (3 times)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACT OF CONTRITION<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Forgive me my sins, Lord. The sins of my youth, of the present time, of my soul and of my body, my grave and voluntary sins. The sins I know, the sins I do not know, the sins I have hidden for so long and are now hidden from my memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am truly sorry for each and every sin, mortal and venial, all the sins of my childhood up to this moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I know that my sins have wounded Your tender heart, oh, my Savior, let me free myself from the bonds of evil through the most bitter Passion of my Redeemer. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O my Jesus, forget and forgive me for what I have done wrong.  Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EJACULATIONS OF REPENTANCE<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My Jesus, I love You above all things!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Your sake, I repent of all my sins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I grieve for the sins of the whole world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, merciful Love! in union with our Blessed Mother and with Her Immaculate Heart, I beg You to forgive my sins and all the sins of men, my brothers, until the end of the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My gracious Jesus, in union with the merits of Your Sacred Wounds, I offer my life to the Eternal Father, according to the intentions of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virgin Mary, Queen of the Universe, Intercessor of Humanity and our hope, pray for us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph Terror of Demons, Pray for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRAYER:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, St. Joseph Terror of Demons! You, Who in Your Heart, have presented all our intentions, prayers and needs to the Eternal Father in the most intimate degree of friendship, obtain, for these Your children, that firmness and Discernment so that nothing will make us lose Hope and thus be able to overcome all the obstacles and temptations that are presented to us. Do not allow consumerism and new ideologies to extinguish our Faith. Oh, loving Father, St. Joseph Terror of Demons, give us the grace of Hope and Trust to sustain us throughout life and to be our sweet consolation in the hour of weakness and tribulations. Give us the grace that, together with the Holy Family, our hearts may always be one with the Father in Holy equilibrium. Help those who cannot defend themselves and build bridges of unity and protection; Oh, beloved St. Joseph Terror of Demons, we humbly ask You to open for us the gates of Eternal Paradise. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph Terror of Demons, protect me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Charles de Foucauld’s Prayer of Abandonment:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Father, I abandon myself into your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do with me what you will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever you may do, I thank you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am ready for all. I accept all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let only Your Will be done in me, and in all your creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I wish no more than this, O Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Into your hands I commend my soul;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To surrender myself into your Hands,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without reserve, and with boundless confidence,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for You are my Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EJACULATION:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

O forgotten Father Joseph, the silent saint, with Your virtues terrify the devil, rebuild our Church, which needs repair.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Repeat 3 times)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LITANY TO ST. JOSEPH TERROR OF DEMONS<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lord, \/have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christ, \/have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord, \/have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christ, hear us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\/Christ, graciously hear us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God, Heavenly Father,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\/Have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God, Son Redeemer of the world,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\/Have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

God, Holy Spirit,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\/Have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most Holy Trinity, one God,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\/Have mercy on us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pray for us.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chosen of the Father,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heir of the New Covenant,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Docile to the voice of God,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hopeful pilgrim,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paternal shelter of the Christ Child,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friend of Jesus and Mary,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companion and Guardian of Mary,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Faithful Husband,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poor in spirit,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pure of heart,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patient in difficulties,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obedient to the end,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worker of Nazareth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strength of the sick,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encouragement of those who suffer,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home for the Homeless,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strength of the Landless,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defender of the disinherited,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companion of migrants,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friend of the marginalized,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope of the excluded,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort of the discouraged,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protector of our homes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patron of the Church,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joy of the peoples,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confidence of those who want to see God,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Company of the dying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope of a good death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protector of the abandoned\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ask you, St. Joseph.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect the orphans,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect the workers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect spouses,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect mothers,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect pregnant women,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect the elderly and the lonely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect all marriages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give us your blessing, St. Joseph.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our families,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our children,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our work,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To our vocations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may love Jesus as you loved Him<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hear us, St. Joseph.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may receive Mary as You received Her,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may serve men as You served them,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may help the poor as You did,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may be righteous as You were,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may proclaim hope as You proclaimed it,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may pray to the Father as You prayed,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That we may seek holiness as You sought it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

V- Pray for us, O St. Joseph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

R- That we may be made worthy of the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us pray:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Joseph, faithful husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and responsible father of Jesus, we pray for our families. May Your example of kindness, understanding, love and peace reign in our homes. Saint Joseph the worker, provide us with work and bread in our homes and that all human beings be recognized with dignity, from conception to natural death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We entrust our wishes to you, Saint Joseph, doing our best to make them come true, knowing that you are with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer of consecration to St. Joseph, Terror of Demons.<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lord Jesus, we come to ask for the help and protection of St. Joseph Terror of Demons, to entrust to His paternal solicitude our Church, priests, deacons, consecrated, the unborn children, all families and all its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, help couples rediscover the fervor of their first love and the grace of the sacrament with which they pledge themselves to each other. Assist them in overcoming conflicts, open them to reciprocal forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We entrust sterile couples to your paternal solicitude. Protect engaged couples in their desire to give themselves to one another, in respect for each other and in all freedom. May their hearts be wide open to welcoming the children who will be born of their love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus in Bethlehem, teach us to defend human life from the beginning of conception. We entrust to you all the babies who have been murdered in the womb of their mothers, the anguish of mothers, the tragic ignorance and oblivion of those who have performed abortions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You who protected Jesus from the massacre of the Holy Innocents, make us and all authorities protectors of human life. Protect the orphans and all children from the violent and evil behavior of adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, Patron of Holy Death, grant that we may be ready to meet the Lord in tranquility and peace on the day He calls us to leave this earth. May you free humanity from the deadly temptation to practice or promote euthanasia and suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, we present to You, our families. We implore You that by Your example of courage and docility to the Holy Spirit, they can assume with fidelity and wisdom the education and family responsibilities entrusted to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We pray that we may teach the faith to our children, beginning with the way we live. By the intercession of St. Joseph, Lord, bless all the families of the earth and protect our country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, in time of trial, we remember that you found the Child Jesus after several days of agonizing search. In the hour of doubt and in the midst of discouragement, come to our aid to seek Christ unceasingly and to find Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We entrust to your intercession the situation of persecuted Christians all over the world, protect them from all forms of terrorism and violence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, prudent servant of Jesus and Mary during their exile, take care of all the emigrants that are driven out of their homes by terrorists. Help us to understand that love has no boundaries and that each of us is responsible for our brothers and sisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, humble craftsman of Galilee, we entrust to you our profession with which and for which we work, we also entrust to you those who have neither employment nor resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teach us to sanctify ourselves and the Lord through our work. Help us to share their fruits. And to you, Who, provided for the material needs of the Holy Family, we place under Your gaze the temporal life of our families, our communities and our dioceses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, doctor of silence, in the following of Jesus, we present to You the missionary vitality of our Church, parishes, families and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We earnestly plead with You to raise up a new generation of witnesses to the Gospel. Through Your prayers, awaken priestly and religious vocations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support the fidelity of those who have consecrated themselves to missionary work at the heart of our world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, on this day, we consecrate to You the Church, our families, and our communities.  Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Read the meditation for each day of the Novena)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1<\/strong>: <\/strong>St. Joseph Terror of Demons help us so the deficits of our inner life do not lead us into chaos.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat is why there is no weakening on our part, and instead, though this outer man of ours may be falling into decay, the inner man is renewed day by day.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, the troubles which are soon over, though they weigh little, train us for the carrying of a weight of eternal glory which is out of all proportion to them.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And so, we have no eyes for things that are visible, but only for things that are invisible; for visible things last only for a time, and the invisible things are eternal.\u201d –<\/em>2 Corinthians 4:16-18<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This explains why there are so many people trapped by pornography, spectacles, and the multitude of images and voices that distract the spirit. Without inner silence, man ends up not knowing himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By imitating St. Joseph, Patron of the Inner Life and Guardian of Our Heart, St. Joseph subdues the heart that needs life, in a process of carving and sanding, but still some roughness remains on the carpenter\u2019s table. He thinks of you and me, because the same process of sanding and polishing God does with us, until He leaves us clean and free of roughness and edges, which is what prevents us from seeing the inside of our hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being devoted to the Father of the Inner Life, St. Joseph, does not make us immune to pain and suffering, to problems and diseases, but despite remaining vulnerable to these things, with Him everything is easier and our life acquires meaning because in the face of adversity and problems we emerge triumphant and victorious in His name.  There is a reason why He is the custodian of all our senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph’s invitation today is to allow ourselves to be carved, sanded, polished, with the tenderness and love as only He can give, with the help of His Son Jesus and Mary Most Holy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As sandpaper polishes and refines the rubbing surface and chisel forcefully lifts layers of the material it carves, the hand of God tenderly caresses the heart of man to make it nobler, in the image of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let yourself be polished by this craftsman who without saying anything and in total silence, like sandpaper or chisel, will not hurt you, but at every stage of the polishing process He will make you a better person, a better human being, a better testimony of His grace and piety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind every test and difficulty there is a purpose that brings you closer to the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Joseph Terror of Demons, here I am, refine me, cover me and make me more like Jesus. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT: <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of Discernment and let you see, in your conscience what wounds continue to cause you pain so you can assume them in order to forgive and forget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2<\/strong>: SAINT JOSEPH WILL PROTECT YOU AGAINST SATAN AND HIS DEMONS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.<\/em> –<\/em>1 Peter 5, 8-9<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that St. Joseph is the only saint to hold the title of “Terror of Demons”? After the Virgin Mary, there is no saint whom evil spirits fear more than St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. They fear Him precisely because of this, because He is the father of Christ and has an extraordinary gift and power of paternal<\/em> intercession in Heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs St. Joseph teaches us, in the midst of the storms of life, we must not be afraid to give God the steering wheel of our vessel. Sometimes, we would like to have everything under control, but He always has a broader view,” -Pope Francis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe power of St. Joseph is greater than that of ancient Moses, Joshua, Joseph and St. Peter.\u201d –Blessed William Joseph Chaminade<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, with the love and generosity with which He protected Jesus, will also protect your soul, and just as He defended Him from Herod, He will defend your soul from the fiercest Herod: the devil! All the care that the Patriarch St. Joseph has for Jesus He has for you and will always help you with His patronage. He will deliver you from the persecution of the wicked and proud Herod, and He will not allow your heart to wander away from Jesus. Go to St. Joseph with extreme confidence, for I do not remember asking Him for anything without having obtained it easily. –Saint<\/em> P\u00edo de Pietrelcina<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph is a model that inspire us to live life peacefully, without making mistakes, without paying the price of the transgressions to which the evil one leads us. It is His virtues that terrify demons, and He gives us the grace to follow His example of obedience and humility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, may your inner spirit of peace, of silence, of good work and of prayer for the cause of the Holy Church always be an inspiration to us and bring us joy in union with your blessed spouse, our sweetest, gentlest and most Immaculate Mother, and in the strong but tender love of Jesus, the glorious and immortal King of all ages and peoples. Amen. (St. John XXIII, Le Voci, March 19, 1961).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pray and recite throughout the day this ejaculation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, you can make possible what seems impossible; intercede for us before the Holy of Holies, the Most Holy Trinity, Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Today you may ask yourself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In what specific aspects of your life do you need to be helped by St. Joseph?<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Present your requests to Him by talking to Him, as if you were with your best friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 3:<\/strong> St. Joseph Terror of Demons, help us in the collapse of the mind in humanity.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How did you come to fall from the heavens, Daystar, son of Dawn? How did you come to be thrown to the ground, you who enslaved the nations?<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You who used to think to yourself, \u201cI will climb up to the heavens; and higher than the stars of God I will set my throne. I will sit on the Mount of Assembly in the recesses of the north.<\/em> <\/em>I will climb to the top of thunderclouds; I will rival the Most High.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What! Now you have fallen to Sheol to the very bottom of the abyss!\u2019  <\/em>Isaiah <\/em>14,12-15<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, Beloved St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, annihilate and destroy the plans in which the world has been trapped for a mere instrumental reason that is developed with techniques and technology, by new ideologies and consumerism and that are being presented as true salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lulled by the charm of the different sounds of digital technology, excess of information, and attracted by its enchanting sounds, we are succumbing to the dark waters of distraction. We don’t direct our attention to the things that matter because technology and social media are not neutral, they are dedicated to capture and monopolize our attention using it for their purposes. An intelligent and harmful form of persuasion that can impair our capacities for reflection and self-criticism. Today our world feels this oppression. The most dangerous adversaries of liberty will arise not from our fears but from our pleasures. It is a situation in which people come to love the oppression to which they are subjected and to worship the technologies of artificial intelligence that incapacitate them from thinking, discerning, and assuming their own reality, leading them to the meaningless of what is truly absolute and of value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today St. Joseph tells us and teaches us that it is possible to understand that God is Father and that He reveals Himself, that God has a plan of salvation underway at a time when there are so many propositions, agendas and ideologies and therefore so much uncertainty and brokenness in human nature. What we need is the experience of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, teach me to live in silence and discernment. Give us the willingness to listen to the good inspirations and words of the true Master: The Holy Spirit, Giver of Life, Who reveals to us the truth. Oh, beloved St. Joseph, with Your instruction and Your company, teach us the need for prayer of reparation and of personal interior life which only God sees in secret. Teach us the value of the family, work, study, sacrifice, and atonement, which are translated into love. Your simple and austere beauty, Your sacred and inviolable character, Your obedience and docility, make us choose You as our Spiritual Master and say to You: Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect me!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today is a good day to start again having Discernment to know what lights I am looking for and if they do me good or bad, -at work, in the family or with whom I relate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the truth that I proclaim? Do I let myself be carried away by the ideologies of the moment, justifying that these are the proper things for these new times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today is the day to ask God for the grace to walk at all times in the “Light of His truth,” not in the light that the world offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 4: <\/strong>St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect persecuted and brave migrants.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“You shall not oppress a stranger; you know the heart of a stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.\u201d (Exodus 23:9).<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen a stranger sojourns with you he shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself. (Leviticus 19:33)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe shall dwell with you, in your midst, in the place which he shall choose within one of your towns where it pleases him best; you should not oppress him.” (Deuteronomy 23:16)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widows garment in pledge; but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and The Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore, I command you to do this.\u201d (Deuteronomy 24:17)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Cursed be he who perverts the justice due to the sojourner.” (Deuteronomy 27:19)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Love the sojourner therefore; for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.\u201d (Deuteronomy 10:19)<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:34).<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow; that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” (Deuteronomy 24:19).<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Romans 12:12-15<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way.” –St. Francis of Assisi.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Holy Family of Nazareth was a family of migrants. To avoid Herod’s persecution, Joseph took Jesus and Mary to live in exile in Egypt, fleeing persecution and violence. He felt the sadness of being away from home and faced the hardships and adversities of living in a foreign land; He lived through poverty, He endured having to learn another language, being treated as a stranger, undesirable, and even treated as a criminal. Yet, in the midst of all these difficulties, Joseph maintained His peace and integrity. He obeyed God, Who gave Him the strength to face challenges, adversities and difficulties while seeking security and a better future for the Holy Family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are literally millions of Josephs today. There are many people who migrate from Central America and leave their wives and children to find opportunities in the north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are Syrian and Lebanese families who travel dangerously to Europe only to be confined to overcrowded camps. Persecuted families in Eritrea and the Horn of Africa that are fleeing to neighboring Ethiopia to find nothing but drought.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph is an example of complete trust and is a great intercessor for migrants. He conveys the same message that the angel gave Him: “Do not be afraid”<\/em> (Matthew 1:20). He, having made such a perilous journey, shows us that God will walk with us too, wherever the road takes us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pope Francis<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Audience<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul VI Hall<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday, December 29, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today I would like to present Saint Joseph to you as a persecuted and courageous migrant<\/em>. This is how the Evangelist Matthew describes him. This particular event in the life of Jesus, which also involves Joseph and Mary as protagonists, is traditionally known as \u201cthe flight into Egypt\u201d<\/em> (cf. Mt<\/em> 2:13-23). The family of Nazareth suffered such humiliation and experienced first-hand the precariousness, fear and pain of having to leave their homeland. Still today many of our brothers and sisters are forced to experience the same injustice and suffering. The cause is almost always the arrogance and violence of the powerful. This was also the case for Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

King Herod learns from the Magi of the birth of the \u201cKing of the Jews\u201d, and the news shocks him. He feels insecure, he feels that his power is threatened. So, he gathers together all the leaders of Jerusalem to find out the place of His birth, and begs the Magi to inform him of the precise details, so that \u2014 he says falsely \u2014 he too can go and worship him. But when he realizes that the Magi had set out in another direction, he conceives a wicked plan: to kill all the children in Bethlehem under the age of two, which according to the calculations of the Magi, was the period of time in which Jesus was born.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, an angel orders Joseph: \u201cRise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him\u201d<\/em> (Mt<\/em> 2:13). Let us think today of the many people who feel this impulse within: \u201cLet\u2019s flee, let\u2019s flee, because there is danger here\u201d. Herod\u2019s plan calls to mind that of the Pharaoh: to throw all the male children of the people of Israel into the Nile (cf. Ex<\/em> 1:22). The flight into Egypt evokes the whole history of Israel beginning with Abraham, who also sojourned there (cf. Gen<\/em> 12:10); to Joseph, son of Jacob, sold by his brothers (cf. Gen<\/em> 37:36) before becoming \u201cruler of the land\u201d (cf. Gen<\/em> 41:37-57); and to Moses, who freed his people from the slavery of the Egyptians (cf. Ex<\/em> 1:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Holy Family\u2019s flight into Egypt saves Jesus, but unfortunately it does not prevent Herod from carrying out his massacre. We are thus faced with two opposing personalities: on the one hand, Herod with his ferocity, and on the other hand, Joseph with his care and courage. Herod wants to defend his power, his own skin, with ruthless cruelty, as attested to by the execution of one of his wives, some of his children and hundreds of opponents. He was a cruel man: to solve problems, he had just one answer: to kill. He is the symbol of many tyrants of yesteryear and of today. And for them, for these tyrants, people do not count; power is what counts, and if they need space for power, they do away with people. And this happens today too: we do not need to look at ancient history, it happens today<\/em>. It is man who becomes \u201cwolf\u201d to other men. History is full of figures who, living at the mercy of their fears, try to conquer them by exercising power despotically and carrying out inhuman acts of violence. But we must not think that we live according to Herod\u2019s outlook only if we become tyrants, no! In fact, it is an attitude to which we can all fall prey, every time we try to dispel our fears with arrogance, even if only verbal, or made up of small abuses intended to mortify those close to us. We too have in our heart the possibility of becoming little Herods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joseph is the opposite of Herod: first of all, he is \u201ca just man\u201d (Mt<\/em> 1:19), whereas Herod is a dictator. Furthermore, he proves he is courageous in following the Angel\u2019s command. One can imagine the plight he had to face during the long and dangerous journey and the difficulties involved in staying in a foreign country, with another language: many difficulties. His courage emerges also at the moment of his return, when, reassured by the Angel, he overcomes his understandable fears and settles with Mary and Jesus in Nazareth (cf. Mt<\/em> 2:19-23). Herod and Joseph are two opposing characters, reflecting the two ever-present faces of humanity. It is a common misconception to consider courage as the exclusive virtue of the hero. In reality, the daily life of every person \u2014 yours, mine, everyone\u2019s \u2014 requires courage. One cannot live without courage, the courage to face each day\u2019s difficulties. In all times and cultures, we find courageous men and women who, in order to be consistent with their beliefs, overcame all kinds of difficulties, and endured injustice, condemnation and even death. Courage is synonymous with fortitude, which together with justice, prudence and temperance is part of the group of human virtues known as \u201ccardinal virtues\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lesson Joseph leaves us with today is this: life always holds adversities in store for us, this is true, and faced with them, we may also feel threatened and afraid. But it is not by bringing out the worst in ourselves, as Herod does, that we can overcome certain moments, but rather by acting like Joseph, who reacts to fear with the courage to trust in God\u2019s Providence. Today I think we need a prayer for all migrants, all the persecuted and all those who are victims of adverse circumstances: be they political, historical or personal circumstances. But, let us think of the many people who are victims of wars, who want to flee from their homeland but cannot; let us think of the migrants who set out on that road to be free, so many of whom end up on the street or in the sea; let us think of Jesus in the arms of Joseph and Mary, fleeing, and let us see in Him each one of the migrants of today. Migration today is a reality to which we cannot close our eyes. It is a social scandal of humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Joseph,
you who experienced the suffering of those who must flee
you who were forced to flee
to save the lives of those dearest to you,
protect all those who flee because of war, hatred, hunger.
Support them in their difficulties,
Strengthen them in hope, and let them find welcome and solidarity.
Guide their steps and open the hearts of those who can help them. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merciful God, we pray to you for all the men, women and children who have died after leaving their homelands in search of a better life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though many of their graves bear no name, to you each one is known, loved and cherished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we never forget them, but honor their sacrifice with deeds more than words. We entrust to you all those who have made this journey, enduring fear, uncertainty and humiliation, in order to reach a place of safety and hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as you never abandoned Your Son as He was brought to a safe place by Mary and Joseph, so now be close to these, your sons and daughters, through our tenderness and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In caring for them may we seek a world where none are forced to leave their home and where all can live in freedom, dignity and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Merciful God and Father of all, wake us from the slumber of indifference, open our eyes to their suffering, and free us from the insensitivity born of worldly comfort and self-centeredness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspire us, as nations, communities and individuals, to see that those who come to our shores are our brothers and sisters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we share with them the blessings we have received from Your hand, and recognize that together, as one human family, we are all migrants, journeying in hope to You, our true home, where every tear will be wiped away, where we will be at peace and safe in Your embrace. -by Pope Francis<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT: <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be filled with compassion for yourself and for the people God has placed in your life’s path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a good confession if in your relationships with others, socially, politically, family or professionally there are feelings of racism, discrimination of any kind or contempt, believing yourself superior and belittling people for their way of thinking or doing things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 5:<\/strong> St. Joseph Terror of Demons, as a teacher in the mission of protecting and guarding creation, life and what we can do to raise awareness of an integral ecology.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Distant peoples stand in awe of your marvels;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the places of morning and evening you make resound with joy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You visit the earth and water it,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

make it abundantly fertile<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God\u2019s stream is filled with water;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

you supply their grain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, do you prepare it:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

you drench its plowed furrows,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and level its ridges.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With showers you keep it soft,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

blessing its young sprouts.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You adorn the year with your bounty;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

your paths drip with fruitful rain.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meadows of the wilderness also drip;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the hills are robed with joy.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pastures are clothed with flocks,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

the valleys blanketed with grain;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

they cheer and sing for joy. –<\/em>Psalm 65: 9-14<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this 5th day of the novena, we want to look in depth on the foundation of all our values: the value of the person in relationship with the nature that surrounds us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every person belongs in a habitat that welcomes him\/her and helps them grow. The first and most natural one is the family, which is a fundamental part for our development, maturity and relationship with the people around us. But we are also placed into another habitat or \u201ccommon home\u201d that is, nature, made up mainly of other living beings. We have something in common with them and carry certain responsibility as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his homily on March 19, 2013, the day of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Pope Francis underlined the global responsibility of all human beings as guardians of creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pontiff affirmed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The vocation of being a \u201cprotector\u201d, however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world, as the Book of Genesis tells us and as Saint Francis of Assisi showed us. It means respecting each of God\u2019s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live. It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about. It means caring for one another in our families: husbands and wives first protect one another, and then, as parents, they care for their children, and children themselves, in time, protect their parents. It means building sincere friendships in which we protect one another in trust, respect, and goodness. In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. Be protectors of God\u2019s gifts!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hence, we reflect not only on our impact on ecology and conservation of the environment, at this present time and for future generations, but also on the necessary task of ensuring the administration of the natural resources correctly. It is a fact that people cease to exist but our environment remains with all the changes that this may entail. All this allows us to conclude that our personal dignity, based on the richness of our rational and free being, brings with it a mission towards ourselves and towards others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We must discover the value that each of us have, to administer with respect and care the \u201ccommon home\u201d and everything that surrounds us, in order to hand over a dignified home to future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


We are leaving the house God entrusted to us in ruins. We self-destruct out of ignorance and greed. Help us, God, our Creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Many of the challenges of Christianity today are brought to life in St. Joseph. That is why He is called to be the saint who accompanies us in the desire to inspire others to be bearers of life and not of destruction and chaos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


This means, on the one hand, making the land productive and, on the other hand, protecting it and making it maintain its ability to sustain life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ask You, St. Joseph, that You, as a good craftsman and guardian of the earth and of life, make us aware of the care of our home, – the earth, our heavenly Father’s creation, which has been so plundered.  Through that depredation we may possibly have so many viruses, diseases and catastrophes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Jesus’ redemptive work includes the earth. Some believers affirm that since all this will pass away because there will be a new heaven and a new earth and that Jesus will rule justly when He returns, we should not do anything about caring for the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holy Scriptures clearly teach us that God will judge the way we care for the earth (He will destroy those who destroy the earth \u2013 Revelation 11:18).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s detach from the cell phone and the computer and go and enjoy nature with our family; It will be the opportunity to talk to our children, restoring ourselves emotionally and spiritually, refreshing our mind and body, reconnecting and thanking our Creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christian Prayer for Creation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Father, we praise You with all Your creatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They came forth from Your all-powerful hand;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

they are Yours, filled with Your presence and Your tender love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Praise be to You!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Son of God, Jesus,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

through You all things were made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You became part of this earth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

and You gazed upon this world with human eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today You are alive in every creature<\/p>\n\n\n\n

in Your risen glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Praise be to You!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Holy Spirit, by Your light<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You guide this world towards the Father\u2019s love<\/p>\n\n\n\n

and accompany creation as it groans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also dwell in our hearts <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and You inspire us to do what is good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Praise be to You!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

teach us to contemplate You<\/p>\n\n\n\n

in the beauty of the universe,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for all things speak of You.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Awaken our praise and thankfulness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for every being that You have made. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God of love, show us our place in this world<\/p>\n\n\n\n

as channels of Your love<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for all the creatures of this earth,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for not one of them is forgotten in Your sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enlighten those who possess power and money<\/p>\n\n\n\n

that they may avoid the sin of indifference,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

that they may love the common good, protect the weak, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and care for this world in which we live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The poor and the earth are crying out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O Lord, seize us with Your power and light, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

help us to protect all life,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

to prepare for a better future,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

for the coming of Your Kingdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n

of justice, peace, love and beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Praise be to You!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amen. –Pope Francis.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


St. Francis of Assisi says in his famous Canticle of the Creatures: “Praise be to You, my Lord, in all Your creatures, especially in the Lord brother sun and for our sister our mother earth.” Praise to those who forgive, for Your love. Blessed are those who suffer in peace, for they shall be crowned by You, Most High.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What image of the Human Being are we building?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 6<\/strong>: St. Joseph Terror of Demons, protect pregnant mothers and unborn children.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You formed my inmost being;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

you knit me in my mother\u2019s womb.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I praise you, because I am wonderfully made;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

wonderful are your works!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My very self you know.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My bones are not hidden from you,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I was being made in secret,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

fashioned in the depths of the earth.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your eyes saw me unformed;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

in your book all are written down;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

my days were shaped, before one came to be. –<\/em>Psalm 139:13-16<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBefore I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.\u201d -Jer. 1:5<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLEXION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To give birth to a child is one of the greatest gifts. Saving one’s life is next. Who gave birth to Jesus? Mary. Who saved His life? Joseph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask St. Paul who persecuted Him, ask St. Peter who denied him, ask all the saints who put Him to death. But if we ask, who saved His life? Let St. Joseph speak, because He and He alone was the Savior of the Savior Himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, but He wanted His mother and father to have a unique share in the work of redemption. From the sacrificial fatherhood of St. Joseph, we learn that He is willing to continue to exercise it over those of us who entrust ourselves to His protection. During our sorrows, St. Joseph offers us His consolation and the strength to embrace all our crosses out of love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph’s protection extends from the most ordinary to the most extraordinary circumstances. We call Him “the model of domestic life” and delight in contemplating His days in the workshop at Nazareth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a faithful protector of Jesus and Mary, in St. Joseph we find a profound reminder of our own call to welcome, protect, and defend God’s precious gift of human life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the mysterious circumstances surrounding Mary’s pregnancy, St. Joseph took Her home at the angel’s word, guided Her journey to Bethlehem, found refuge, and welcomed the Child Jesus as His son. When Herod threatened the life of the Infant Jesus, St. Joseph left His homeland and fled with Jesus and Mary to Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like St. Joseph, we too are called to care for those whom God entrusts to us, especially vulnerable mothers and children. We can follow in St. Joseph’s footsteps as a protector, advocating against taxpayer funding of abortions, which target the lives of millions of children and their poor mothers around the world. We can imitate His care and contribution by helping mothers in need and those who are going through difficult pregnancies in our parishes and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At times, we may feel unsure of our ability to answer the Lord’s call, but He invites us to respond faithfully, despite our own fears or weaknesses: “My grace is sufficient for you, my greatest strength is manifested in weakness” –<\/em>2 Cor 12:9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May we imitate the faithful trust and courage of St. Joseph as we work to uphold the dignity of every human life. St. Joseph, Defender of Life, pray for us!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lord Jesus, through the intercession of our Mother Mary, who gave birth to You with \u201cinfinite\u201d love and through the intercession of St. Joseph Terror of Demons, who contemplated in ecstasy the Mystery of the Incarnation and took care of You after Your birth, I pray for the unborn children, all pregnant women, mothers who are heads of households, tortured children and orphans who are in danger of not having a dignified life. I ask You St. Joseph, to give to all fathers, the love, dedication, courage and sustenance so that they may protect and guard their children in hope that they will allow them to live the life that You have prepared for them. May we all live happily and be in solidarity with one another. Through Jesus our Lord. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer for pregnant women:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, You protected Your most chaste spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and found Her a place where She could give birth to the Son of God, after being denied shelter. You accompanied Her and helped Her in the process of childbirth and saved Her and Her son Jesus, already born, by fleeing into Egypt when the wicked King Herod was looking to kill the Child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, help us to protect children in danger of being aborted and their mothers, who so often find themselves alone and abandoned. Pray for those of us who help pregnant women and young women in difficult situations, so that we can offer them the means to choose life for their babies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intercede for the prolife movement and volunteers of pregnancy centers and organizations that help pregnant women, so that those who come to them for help will find wisdom, peace and love like the one You showed to Your adopted Son Jesus Christ and His Blessed Mother Mary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, patron saint of the Church, families and workers, we come to You in prayer, humbly asking that You will also be the patron saint of the prolife movement. Take under your protection all women who give birth alone, and those children whose parents have abandoned them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Become involved with the prolife movement as a volunteer or at any other level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Become aware of any educational courses available so you can help, in some way, to defend and protect the lives of unborn children and women in crisis when the situation arises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 7: <\/strong>St. Joseph Terror of Demons, teach us to be in the world without being of the world.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I do not pray that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from evil.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are not of the world, any more than I am of the world.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:15\u201317).<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 Corinthians 1:27-29<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something,<\/em><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

so that no human being might boast before God.<\/a>\u201d<\/em> –<\/em>1 Corinthians 1:27-29<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is true that we live in this world, but we do not act like everyone else, nor do we fight with the weapons of this world. On the contrary, we use God’s power to destroy the forces of evil, the accusations, and the pride of those who want to prevent us all from knowing God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, warns us against the danger of ‘spiritual worldliness’ that can affect believers, and that if it invaded the Church, it would be “disastrous”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Spiritual worldliness, which hides behind the appearance of piety and even love for the Church, consists in seeking not the Lord\u2019s glory but human glory and personal well-being.” (Evangelii Gaudium, 93)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Man ends up putting his trust not in the Lord, but in himself, in things, in organizations, in plans and projects, forgetting what is essential. It does not seek the glory of God so much, but vainglory itself, the ostentation of some form of power (economic, cultural, religious).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pope points out firmly: “God, save us from a worldly Church with superficial spiritual and pastoral trappings!” (Evangelii Gaudium, 97).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joseph’s name in Hebrew means: “he will increase,” “he will add,” or “he will make grow”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


St. Joseph helps us increase the ability to discern and have balance in times of crisis and loneliness in order to make wise decisions during tribulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph will give us the grace of faith so that, in the midst of silence, prayer will work miracles in our spiritual coldness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph will help us increase in courage, enthusiasm and prayer, so as not to falter in the difficulties of life due to our mistakes and bad decisions, renewing our closeness to God as a healing process of our own history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The life of St. Joseph continues to be a challenge for today’s man eager for prestige, titles, and power. This simple man who fulfilled himself on earth as an artisan and head of the Sacred Family, today continues to tell us that it is possible to be an important person, without having received any honors, or having obtained any degrees. That it is possible to be great without stepping over others, undervaluing those around us; therefore, we can say that St. Joseph teaches us how to be Men for God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyone can find in St. Joseph, a man who goes unnoticed, ordinary, discreet and hidden. An intercessor, a supporter and a guide in times of difficulty. He reminds us that all those who are, apparently hidden or in the “background” have an unparalleled role in salvation history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The world needs these men and women in the “background” who support the development of the life of each one of us and who, through their prayer, example and teaching, sustain us on the path of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


“Today I would like to send a message to all the men and women who live in the most forgotten places of the world, the marginalized who live in extreme situations. May they find in St. Joseph the witness and protector to look to. We can address Him with this prayer, a prayer I composed which has come from the heart”:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saint Joseph,
you who always trusted God,
and made your choices
guided by His providence
teach us not to count so much on our own plans
but on His plan of love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You who come from the peripheries
help us to convert our gaze
and to prefer what the world discards and marginalizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort those who feel alone
and support those who work silently
to defend life and human dignity. Amen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Pope Francis<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/a>Let us recall the words of Saint Paul: “Be not overcome by evil but overcome evil by good.<\/em>\u201d (Rom 12:21)<\/em> or “<\/em>Let us not grow tired of doing good<\/em>” (Gal 6:9).<\/em> Perhaps moving from the paradigm of “well-being” to that of “care” will help us to remain in brotherly love and not to allow ourselves to be robbed of this ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Reflection and prayer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this moment of reflection\/prayer, let’s pause for a moment to remember our own history. If at some point in our life we went through a difficult situation in which others did us wrong or if we lived any bitter situation, let us look where God was present doing something good for us, even if it seemed that he did not prevent all the harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do I discover?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ponder:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did the pain and suffering caused by these situations strengthen our faith?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God’s presence in people who have been instruments sent by Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


“Moreover, we know that in all things God works for the better for those who love Him; for those who have been called according to His plan.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us contemplate in the Heart of St. Joseph:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The invitation is to pray around the obedient heart of St. Joseph. St. Joseph’s heart was formed through that self-giving disposition that helped Him to be able to discover what pleases the Father. An obedient and discerning heart in which Jesus was also accompanied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Heart of Jesus has much of the example received in Nazareth from Mary and Joseph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A crucial moment, and surely a kairos moment, was when the Child Jesus was lost in the Temple, in his Father’s house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus, however, went down and returned with them to Nazareth and remained subject to them, that is, obedient to those whom the Father had entrusted Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are invited to enter the Heart of St. Joseph, to receive encouragement and to discern our concerns and worries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Heart of Mary, that She may encourage us to trust that nothing is impossible for God, Who is the foundation of discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Heart of Jesus, to allow us to be consoled, as confirmation of His Will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Heart of the Father, Who awaits us to make us feel that His children are very much loved, which is the end of all discernment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph, in Your hands I entrust my heart, my dreams, my desires, my whole life. Help me to love You and encourage many to love You, Glorious Patriarch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can the Church influence the cultural, social and political processes of our society, while remaining faithful to her identity and mission?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 8: Saint Joseph Terror of Demons protects and saves Humanity from human trafficking.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Snatch Them Out of the Hand of the Wicked”<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Ps 82:4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLECTION:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph teaches us that it is possible to be great without stepping over others; nor subordinating those around us; this is why we can say that St. Joseph teaches us how to be Men for God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the face of the current moment of secularization and loss of values, in the face of oppression and human trafficking, let us raise our eyes and contemplate St. Joseph the Terror of Demons, who was in everything and always a Man for God. No one embraced the divine as he did, and no one responded with such obedience and generosity. May St. Joseph as the Terror of Demons protect the Church against the dangers of today, including human trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O, St. Joseph, always serene, flexible to the Will of God like the reed that bends to the breath of the wind without creaking. Look to Joseph, imitate Him, and you will be flexible, adaptable, and available. Everywhere you will be at ease, with joy and gladness, working with all your soul. Adapt yourself today in the little, with a joyful spirit. You need to be active and in balance, for the care of the other. May this be your gift to the Holy Patriarch. Obtain for me from Your divine Son a joyful ease, flexibility without protest, and a will of always wanting what He wants, with joy of heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph is the model of knowing how to live all the circumstances of life and of finding the profound meaning of what one is and what one has. The problems of life, well managed, become a source of merit and rewards for eternal life. That is why St. Joseph does not spare us, He teaches us with his exemplary behavior in difficult circumstances; how we must act in the difficulties and trials that today’s life poses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph softened the crosses of Jesus and Mary -exile, ingratitude for their work in Nazareth, and poverty. St. Joseph sweetened everything. He silently endured all those difficult moments and hard situations but always kept His gentle smile.  Give your burdens to St. Joseph and help others without oppression or manipulation. He will be the balm of your sorrows. Be the Joseph of those who live around you or cross your path, help carry their crosses, offer words of encouragement, pray for them, all naturally, and smiling as a gift to St. Joseph. May you be the Cyrenean of all those around you, helping with the simplicity, closeness and silence of St. Joseph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph teach us that it is possible to be saints in a complex world that offers us fleeting joys and where it seems like human effort is meaningless. St. Joseph, teach us to be like You -joyful, simple, grateful, radical in our commitments and to live in loving and constant dedication to all that is entrusted to us, especially in the fight against human trafficking. Help us to understand that the better we are, the more we must serve others. And, the more power one has in their station of life, the greater the good one can do, because the experiences of life will never be repeated and it is only worth spending one’s life for a great ideal and respecting others as You did, letting each person find his or her own path and be faithful to what they have chosen in life and always live it with enthusiasm and responsibility, without allowing the vicissitudes of the world to move us like a boat on high seas without a fixed direction, be the captain of our boat of life and help us to love Jesus and Mary as You loved them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joseph found happiness not in mere self-sacrifice but in self-gift. In Him, we never see frustration but only trust. His patient silence was the prelude to concrete expressions of trust. Our world today needs fathers. It has no use for tyrants who would domineer others as a means of compensating for their own needs. It rejects those who confuse authority with authoritarianism, service with servility, discussion with oppression, charity with a welfare mentality, power with destruction. –Pope Francis, <\/strong>Patris Corde, 7.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS<\/em><\/strong>
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 8th INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND AWARENESS
AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, 8 February 2022<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe power of care. Women, economy and human trafficking\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It invites us to consider the condition of women and girls, subjected to multiple forms of exploitation, also through forced marriage, domestic and labor slavery. The thousands of women and girls who are trafficked every year denounce the dramatic consequences of relational models based on discrimination and submission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human trafficking, through domestic or sexual exploitation, violently relegates women and girls to their supposed role of subordination in the provision of domestic or sexual services, and to their role as providers of care and dispensers of pleasure, which proposes yet again a model of relationships marked by the power of the male gender over the female. This occurs even today, and at a high level. Human trafficking is violence! The violence suffered by every woman and every girl is an open wound on the body of Christ, on the body of all humanity; it is a deep wound that I encourage every woman and every girl who is committed to transformation and care, in school, in the family, and in society. And I encourage every man and every boy not to be left out of this process of transformation, recalling the example of the Good Samaritan: a man who is not ashamed to reach out to his brother and take care of him. Taking care is God\u2019s action in history, in our personal history and in our history as a community. God has taken care of, and takes care of us continually. Caring together, men and women, is the appeal for this International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking: together we can encourage the growth of an economy of care, opposing with all our might every form of exploitation in human trafficking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS<\/em><\/strong>
<\/em><\/strong>FOR THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER<\/em><\/strong>
AND AWARENESS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 February 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human trafficking disfigures dignity. Exploitation and subjugation limit freedom and turn people into objects to be used and discarded. And the system of trafficking exploits the injustice and inequality that force millions of people to live in conditions of vulnerability. Indeed, people impoverished by the economic crisis, by wars, by climate change and many forms of instability are easily recruited. Unfortunately, trafficking is growing at an alarming rate, affecting, above all migrants, women and children, young people like yourselves, people full of dreams and the desire to live in dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journeying for dignity, against human trafficking, without leaving anyone behind. I would like to repeat some of the beautiful expressions you have written: \u201cWalking with open eyes to recognize<\/em> the processes that lead millions of people, especially young people, to be trafficked for brutal exploitation. Walking with an attentive heart <\/em>to discover the daily paths of thousands of people in search of freedom and dignity. Walking with hope guiding our feet<\/em> to promote anti-trafficking actions. Walking together hand in hand<\/em> to support one another and build a culture of encounter that leads to the conversion of hearts and inclusive societies, capable of unmasking stereotypes and protecting the rights of every person\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would like God’s cry to be heard, asking us all: “Where is your brother?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Gen 4:9). Where is your slave brother? Where is the one you are killing every day in clandestine places, where is the one given in prostitution, where are the children you use for begging and where is the one who has to work in secret because he does not meet the requirements? Let’s not pretend we have not noticed anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pope Francis, EVANGELII GAUDIUM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many families, young people and children around the world have been affected by modern slavery. Today, we join in praying for an end to this problem. Pray with us through this prayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer for an end of Human Trafficking<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, God we didn’t see them<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet You saw them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hundreds and thousands of human beings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

trafficked each year to join the<\/p>\n\n\n\n

millions of people who are trapped in modern slavery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terrible conditions, they work in factories, plough the fields,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

they harvest the crops, they work in the quarries, they fill the brothels,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

they clean houses, and carry water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many are children with tiny fingers for weaving rugs<\/p>\n\n\n\n

and small shoulders to carry a rifle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their work is forced, their bodies beaten, their faces hidden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

from those who don’t really want to see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But You see them all, God of the poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You hear their cry and answer them by opening our eyes, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

breaking our hearts and opening our lips<\/p>\n\n\n\n

to raise our voice and say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No more! Amen. -Pope Francis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 9: <\/strong>St. Joseph Terror of Demons protect the marriage bond in the Family.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God\u2019s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:6-11<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they do their own bodies.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Ephesians 5,28.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh. – Genesis 2,24<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

REFLEXION:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Satan tempts the Family with whatever physical sense we are concerned about, whether it be taste, smell, hearing, touch, or sight. God says our senses are good. He gave them to us to enjoyed within limits. But venturing outside of God’s intention with the senses becomes an attempt to satisfy our needs away from God’s will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marriage is in crisis because Satan shows us the newest, greatest, and supposedly, the better things of this world, trying to lure us into thinking we should have it. It tempts us to think: this will make me feel satisfied. This will make me happy. And then those things wear out, decay, age, and reveal that material things are temporary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Family is being tempted with the manipulation of powers with our talents in the different professional trades. Satan tempts the Family to be superior to their spouse. We mistakenly believe that we should become something that the world deems worthy. This creates a need within ourselves for people to recognize us, praise us, revere us, and caress our pride. Then we dare to boast of all that we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marriage and family is the battlefield of the devil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do we experience spiritual defeats in Family and Marriage? Some scoff at the idea that the devil is real, but Holy Scripture affirms that Satan exists. Their goal is to lead us away from God, thwart God’s plans, and cause division in the marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Satan’s battlefield is the Destruction of the Family, his many efforts to divert and deceive the true covenant of Love, and the ways he uses us is through our senses and conscience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sister Lucia, the visionary of Fatima, said in a long letter sent to Cardinal Carlo Caffarra:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe final battle between the Lord and Satan’s kingdom will be about Marriage and Family. Do not be afraid,\u201d she added, \u201cbecause anyone who acts in favor of the sanctity of Marriage and Family will always be fought and confronted in every way, because this is the decisive point. However, Our Lady has already crushed his head.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The devil wants to deceive God’s children very much,” said then, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) in his famous letter to the Carmelites of Argentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ahead of an initiative in 2010 to make Argentina the first Latin American country to introduce legislation on same-sex marriage, which was eventually passed. Pope Francis warned:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Let’s not be na\u00efve: this is not a simple political struggle; it is an intent to destroy God’s plan. It is not a mere legislative project, but rather a movement of the father of lies who wants to confuse and deceive the children of God.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There has never been a man more in love with a woman than St. Joseph of Mary. What dignity and holiness were required of St. Joseph to be the spouse of Mary! In Her womanly heart, Mary knew that She was secure in the virility of St. Joseph; He was their knight and warrior. Every woman would like such a husband: a gentleman, a protector, and a good father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women deserve men who are strong and protective, but at the same time delicate, loving, and trustworthy. Every woman wants to find safety in the arms of a man who is willing to give his life for her. The Church and the world need men like St. Joseph; He is the model of a good husband.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSt. Joseph was Mary’s husband. To each father of a family is likewise entrusted, through his own wife, the mystery of woman. Like St. Joseph, dear parents, let each one respect and love his wife, and guide his children to God, where they should go, with love and with a responsible presence.\u201d -Pope Benedict XVI<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the Church and in the world, there is a strong need to rediscover the meaning and value of the conjugal union between a man and a woman, on which the family is founded. In fact, one certain aspect of the crisis affecting so many families is the practical ignorance, both personal and collective, about marriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To attack the family is to attack the marrow and foundation of the whole of creation, the truth of the relationship between man and woman. If the fundamental pillar is disrupted, the whole structure collapses. “Male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The devil is attacking with fury because he knows his time is running out. Its focus is on relationships between spouses and also between parents and children. Gender ideology is wreaking havoc on many adolescents, causing great suffering in their families. But let us not forget that the victory is Christ’s and that in the end “the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph.” She crushes the serpent’s head, after it has struck the heel of all mankind…”Where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is necessary to fight family with family, without distances, without fear of sharing one’s own family fragility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a lot of suffering in families. May this pain lead us to raise a pleasing prayer in God’s eyes: “From the depths of my heart I cry out to you, O Lord” (Ps 130 [129], 1). “You do not despise a broken and humbled heart” (Ps 51 [50]:19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I place all marriages and families inside Your sacred side, my Jesus. I place all the suffering families and marriages of the entire world in Your Heart. May they feel Your immense Love because it is much easier to love when you feel deeply loved by another. You precede us in everything. Above all, in Love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe will love her together\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

by Fr. Giordano Muraro, from his book \u201cI promise to be faithful to you forever\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The woman who is at your side, full of emotion, wearing a wedding gown, is mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I created her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have always wanted what\u2019s best for her; before she met you, and beyond what you can give her. I didn\u2019t hesitate to give my life for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am entrusting her to you. You will take her from my hands, and become responsible for her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you found her, she was beautiful, and you fell in love with her. It was my hands that formed her beauty, and my heart that filled her with tenderness and love, and my wisdom that formed her sensibility, her intelligence, and all the beautiful qualities you have discovered in her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you must not limit yourself to rejoicing in her charm. You must commit to responding to her needs and desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She needs many things: a home, clothing, tranquility, joy, affection and tenderness, pleasure and entertainment, company and dialog, social and family relationships, job satisfaction, and so many other things \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But you must realize that, above all, she will need me, and everything that helps her to encounter me: peace of heart, purity of spirit, prayer, the Word, forgiveness, hope and trust in me, and my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will love her together. I have always loved her. You began to love her a few years ago, when you met her. I am the one who put love for her in your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was the best way to tell you, \u201cLook! I\u2019m entrusting her to you,\u201d so you could enjoy her beauty and her virtues. When you said to her, \u201cI promise to be faithful to you, to love you and respect you for all my life,\u201d it\u2019s as if you had answered me saying that you\u2019d be happy to take her into your life and take care of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From that moment on, we love her together. Not only that: I\u2019ll make you capable of loving her as I, God, love her, giving you the gift of a special kind of love that will transform your limited love as a created being and make it able to produce the works of God in the woman you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is my wedding gift: it\u2019s what is called the sacramental grace of matrimony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will never leave you alone in this enterprise. I will always be with you, and I will make you the instrument of my love and tenderness. I will continue to love my creation, who will become your spouse, through your gestures of love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ejaculation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Joseph Terror of Demons, whatever it takes, I’m going to fight the battle for my family, as long as I live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COMMITMENT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have to be willing to put aside personal preferences and think as a couple, not individually. It is evident that those who only believe in themselves do not usually stay with their spouse for long. No matter how much romance there was in the beginning, if there is no true commitment, love will eventually grow cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help your spouse become aware that each of you has been chosen and accepted as they are. This acceptance is the fundamental basis for emotional security that heals and prevents possible jealousy, doubts in the relationship and facilitates surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you ready to accept each other, and all that this union can bring about, completely and forever?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grow old together; the best is yet to come, for you are the hidden force of the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O hidden Joseph, you are the Patriarch who sought to know God’s Will in all things. You took the Holy Family to Bethlehem to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s; You Hid and protected the Bread of Life in the shelter of a manger. You led the Child and His mother to present them to Abba, Father. In Hiding, you set off to take refuge in Egypt. The Holy Spirit called You from Egypt to Nazareth. This is how our Savior lived His life! What a grace to be hidden by the Lord in plain sight and to be His hidden strength!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, dearest St. Joseph Terror of Demons, I consecrate myself in Your honor, and I give myself entirely to You, so that You may always be my father, my protector, and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a great purity of heart and a fervent love for the inner life. Following your example, may all my actions be for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate heart of Mary.  Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

INTROD U CTION Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: “I beg St. Joseph, with the love and generosity with which he cared for Jesus, to guard your soul, and, as he defended it from Herod, so protect your soul from a fiercer Herod: The Devil!” St. Joseph, Terror of demons, Artisan of the Inner Life, You Who […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[44,34],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-873","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-payers-to-saint-joseph","category-with-index"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=873"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":874,"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873\/revisions\/874"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=873"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=873"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/discernimiento.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=873"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}