Statue of St. Joseph, National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica – Photo by John Petty
By John Petty, Catholic Editor
In the Roman Catholic Church, March marks the Month of St. Joseph. This monthly devotion serves in recognition to the Foster-Father of the Son of God, bringing to mind his important role in Salvation History.
In the Christian religion, St. Joseph is a highly venerated figure. Being betrothed to Mary the Mother of God, Luke’s Gospel draws some light on the mysterious life of this great saint. The Bible has no record of anything that St. Joseph himself said, however, it does speak of parts his life before, and a little bit after the birth of Christ.
“St. Joseph is a model of discipline in my life,” said sophomore Zachary Miller, who recently completed a 33 day consecration to St. Joseph.
In the Catholic Church, St. Joseph is given protodulia, first honor. Below latria (worship given to God alone), and hyperdulia (special veneration given to the Mother of God), St. Joseph is honored first among all of the other saints because of his special vocation in raising and caring for the Incarnate Son of God. Many Catholic prayers and chants are directed toward him, such as the Litany of Saint Joseph.
In the month of March specifically, the Feast of St. Joseph falls on March 19.
Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father – Photo by John Petty
In recent years, Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC has written a popular work aimed at helping Catholics grow in their relationship with St. Joseph. Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father provides readers with a thirty-three day devotional aimed at educating readers in the traditions associated with the great saint, as well as prayerful dialogue aimed toward him, as well as entrusting their spiritual lives to him through an Act of Consecration. Last Lent, many men in the Aquinas College Men’s Group took it upon themselves to consecrate themselves to his care.
“Through my consecration to St. Joseph, I gained a sense of protection and guidance for my earthly life,” senior Benjamin Zeppa said.
The Saint 