Our Lenten solemnity was briefly interrupted on Monday, March 19 as we celebrated the Feast of our patron, St. Joseph. From the beginning, St. Jeanne Jugan trusted St. Joseph to help her with all her needs. It is the same for us today.
So devoted are we to our dear St. Joseph, that you will find countless St. Joseph statues in offices, hallways, rooms and the Chapel around our Home. Most statues wobble on top of a pile of intentions that are placed under him. And, watch out when Sr. Mary Timothy goes to the chapel to ask for St. Joseph’s help. Miracles tend to happen!
So in St. Joseph’s honor, we planned a grand celebration. It began with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by the Very Reverand William DeSalvo, Pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Hinsdale; and concelebrated by Fr. Damien Graziano, our Chaplain; Fr. Tim Fairman, Pastor and Fr. Matt Jamesson, Associate Pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Palatine; and Fr. Thomas Botheroyd, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Lombard.
After Mass, the dear Fathers donned aprons and headed to the dining rooms, where massive sweets tables were filled with to the edges with desserts that looked like they should be on display in a bakery window.
To our delight, the Fathers joyfully poured wine, served dessert, and visited and laughed with all of us.
Dear St. Joseph is our good friend. He is our Patron who watches over and takes care of us, just like he did for Mary and Jesus. It was our honor and pleasure to celebrate his spirit, his intercession and his protection.
St. Joseph, 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,* and protector of the Little Sisters of the Poor and our Residents – Pray for us!
*from the Litany of St. Joseph.
Celebrating St. Joseph