Happy St. Joseph's Day!

We look to Joseph

as our model

of gentleness,

justice,

and humility...

Boston CSJ Constitution

Spirit and Purpose #5

As Sisters of St. Joseph and associates throughout the world celebrate St. Joseph's Day, I share this prayer to St. Joseph. It is on a prayer card produced by our Mission Advancement Office in 1999. Although it was written a few years ago, I continue to receive requests to use it. So I share it here once again.

Prayer to St. Joseph

God of Great Love,

Your son, Jesus,

was nurtured by St. Joseph.

May we look to Joseph

as our model of justice,

gentleness, and humility.

May we, with Joseph,

nurture the life of Christ

in our lives

and in the lives of others,

uniting all people

and all creation

with God and with one another.

May Joseph's life inspire us

to be a hopeful, healing presence

within our world.

Amen

© 1999 -- Joanne Gallagher, CSJ

Many will also recognize the photograph as the statue of St. Joseph by Mary Southard, CSJ, that is located on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, CA. This is only one of many garden sculptures by Mary Southard, CSJ.  I'm including a photo that shows the full view of the statue so you can see it in context. The statue is a meditation in itself.

Also, I would like to call your attention to a lovely article by Father Richard Erikson, Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese of Boston, that is in this week's editon of The Boston Pilot. It's titled Celebrating the Sisters of St. Joseph. Thank you Father Erikson!

A very happy St. Joseph Day to all.