Sunday 19 March 2017

St Joseph Feast Day - break the fast, but still pray

I always look forward to St Josephs Day in Lent. It is about feast not famine. We as Catholics are allowed to break the fast. Now, even though I have Irish Ancestry, I am not Irish, and so I do not break the fast on St Patricks Day. One may also break the fast on St Patricks day if your Parish is dedicated to St Patrick.

As a Family we say a prayer every morning, and in that prayer, we ask Saint Joseph, Patron Saint of Families to Intercede for our Family.

On this Feast of St Joseph, I wish to thank St Joseph for his intercession and carrying our prayers to the Throne of God that he may answer positively.

Maybe it is not an accurate image, but I love the painting of the "holy family and dog" by the Spanish Baroque artist Murillo... which i have included here.







Prayer of Pope Leo XIII to St. Joseph
This prayer is often said after the Prayer of the Holy Rosary during the months of March and October.
To you, O Blessed Joseph, we come in our trials, and having asked the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently ask your patronage also. Through that sacred bond of charity which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the fatherly love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his blood, and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength.

O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin. Our most mighty protector, graciously assist us from heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness. And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

ASHES MARKY MARK AND JOE

I often wonder why we dont see more photos of Catholic Celebrities wearing their ashes on Ash wednesday. Perhaps there aren't that many celebrities who are strong in their Catholic Faith. Perhaps those who are strong in their faith keep it private.

Of course, there are many politicians who go to mass and the media snaps pictures of them with their ashes on their forehead.

I found two photos on the internet that i think is so cool. One of Mark Wahlburg and one of Joe Biden.  Now Mark was raised Catholic, probably because of his mothers Irish ancestry. And he maintains his faith with his wife Rhea Durham and their four children. He is a Democrat.

One , well, then there is Joe Biden, Former vice President of the United States of America.