Please wait while loading...Our three Fathers
There is a fact we must acknowledge: we do not choose saints, it is they who chose us. Visitors often aks: "why do you invoke these two nineteenth century saints, St Seraphim of Sarov and Saint Jean-Mary Vianney?"
The answer is simple: "They were the first to introduce us to the hidden wealth of the Church and to lead us to understand better these words of Jesus: "Make friends for yourselves in Heaven...."
Brother Ephraim, Rain of the late season, St Paul Publications, Worcestor 1992.
Saint Joseph
According to the Christian tradition, Joseph is the spouse of Mary, Mother of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were engaged to be married. One day an angel, God’s messenger appeared to Mary announcing that she had been chosen for a special mission: give birth to a child, the Son of God. Nine months later, this promise was fulfilled. When Jesus was born, Joseph became his foster father, car giver and teacher. He became the guardian of the Holy Family.
His love and fidelity to Mary are well known. He lived with his young wife. He accepted the mysterious conception and birth of the child. To protect Mary and Jesus from the fury of Herod, king of the Jews, under the rule of the Roman Emperor, he fled to Egypt with them. When Jesus was twelve, in accordance with the Jewish tradition, Joseph took Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem. On the way back home, thinking that Jesus was lost, he became very anxious. These are the main facts related in the Gospels concerning Joseph’s life on earth.
The devotion to Saint Joseph is greatly influenced by his image as a humble and faithful servant. Christians everywhere recognize him as a model of holiness. He is the patron of the Catholic Church and identified as the special patron of Canada. Around the world, there are numerous churches, shrines and pilgrimage centers dedicated to Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal is the world’s most important shrine in honour of Saint Joseph.
It is not surprising that the humble and discreet Brother André, founder of the Oratory, would have been attracted to the person of Joseph. Through they lived worlds apart, and regardless of their differences, there are many similarities.
A most important universal patron saint well worth talking about! Saint Joseph was declared the patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870
Many countries chose him as their protector. Patronage Decision: Austria: Pope Clement X in 1675 Belgium Bohemia: King Ferdinand III in 1655 Canada: Recollet Fathers in 1624 and Pope Urban VIII in 1637 China: Pope Innocent XI in 1678 Mexico Peru: Pope Pius XII in 1957 Russia: Pope Pius XI in 1930 Vietnam: 1952, South Vietnam
Diocese of Cali in Columbia: Pope John Paul II, in 1993 Secondary patron of the diocese of Legnica, Poland: Pope John Paul II in 1993 Patron Saint of the Diocese of Coatzacoalcos, Mexico: Pope John Paul II in 1994 Patron of the Diocese of San Jose in California: Pope John Paul II in 1985 Opposition to Communists: Pope Pius XI in 1937 (to help those fighting Communism)
Many workers also chose him as their protector. Patronage Decision: Workers in general: Pope Benedict XV. Feast on May 1st, as determined by Pope Pius XII in 1955. Cabinet makers Carpenters Artisans and craftsmen Engineers Plasters
Canadian Army: 1941
Universal Church: Pope Pius IX in 1870
People pray to him a special cause or reason. Patronage Decision: When in doubt or hesitating Fathers: Pope Leo XIII Social justice workers: Pope Pius XI Dying, for a peaceful death For families Property buyers: Pope Pius XII in 1956 Pioneers Travellers, for a safe journey
2. Saint Serafim of Sarov
3. Saint Joseph
4. Saint John Mary Baptist Vianney
