Copyright 2018, Marge Fenelon
The greatest gift you could give your dad on Father’s Day is a spiritual one. Above all material gifts, spiritual ones have the most lasting impact, literally. Why not and trust your earthly father to our Lord Jesus is earthly father – St. Joseph? After the Lesson Virgin Mary, St. Joseph is the most beloved and efficacious saint in heaven. He’s the guardian and protector of the Universal Church.
There is an ancient prayer to St. Joseph that dates back to the year 50 A.D. and has been known to result in great conversions and miracles for those who pray it in faith. There’s an old postscript that’s included with the prayer. It reads:
“This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505, it was sent from the pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy or be burned in any fire or be overpowered in battle. Say for nine mornings for anything you desire. It has never been known to fail.”
Here’s the prayer itself.
ANCIENT PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires.
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen.
Is there a most beautiful image of fatherhood than that of St. Joseph tenderly cuddling Baby Jesus? Just as he holds our Lord in his arms, he “holds” the Universal Church in his arms, tending it with great love and concern. That includes your dad. Entrust him to St. Joseph’s care and invoke this great saint for his intentions. There isn’t a better gift you can give him.
Happy Father’s Day!
2 Comments
Mary Feehan · June 23, 2018 at 8:45 pm
Marge, this is a beautiful prayer. However, l have seen instructions in our church bulletin before about how we are not supposed to add “this prayer has never been known to fail”. The priests tell us it is superstition, and can lead to false hope. There is no way that every prayer will be answered to our liking. I love all your wisdom and love for Our Dear Lord. I just felt l should point this out. Thanks for your weekly inspiration.
Mary
Marge Fenelon · June 25, 2018 at 8:05 am
Thank you for your comment, Mary. You are right to caution against superstition, which is why I included the reference to “never been known to fail” in a quote taken from the prayer card and not as my personal conviction. God bless you and all that you do!