Heavenly Father,
you gave St. Joseph a share
in your fatherhood and placed him
as a father to Jesus on earth.
Help us to be obedient to your will
as he was. Teach us the way of prayer that
we may enjoy the friendship of Mary
and Jesus as did St. Joseph. During
this life's hardships, give us courage
to walk with those who need us
that we may be enriched by
their gifts. Carry us through our
sufferings and trials with St. Joseph
at our side. And may we look to
him at the final hour of death.
We ask this through
your Son, Jesus.
Amen.

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Novena: March 11 to 19
Feast: March 19
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Spring 2010

The Gospel reading for the third Friday of Advent in 2009 was from Matthew 1: 18–25. It is the account of St. Joseph’s response, dream, and resolve when he learned that, “…before they lived together, she (Mary) was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” Our Benedictine celebrant for Mass that day, Father Aelred, gave the following homily:

“One of the things that have always impressed me about St. Joseph is his silence. His wife, Mary, does not say much, but there is not a word from Joseph recorded in the New Testament. But what Joseph does speaks volumes.

“He is unquestioningly obedient—and perhaps that is what his silence is meant to teach us. He does not need to be in control or in charge; he doesn’t need to know more than he is told. Like Mary’s womb, Joseph’s silence is the dwelling-place the Spirit has prepared for the Word-made-flesh.

“Now is a time for silence, a time for clearing away the chatter, a time to make a place like Joseph’s house within ourselves – an earthly home of the Word of God.”

As we ponder St. Joseph’s meaningful silence during this novena in his honor, let us ask him to intercede especially for the homeless -- the many who have made no home within for the Word of God and those who have no physical home where they can live in peace and comfort.

We also ask St. Joseph to inspire others with his skills and his fatherly concern to help us with the list of repairs needed for our chapel, another home for the Word of God.

Please unite with us in prayer during the Novena to St. Joseph from March 11 – 19. May you continue to experience his watchful care and his powerful intercession.

Gratefully,
Your Carmelite Nuns