Day 1: November 6th
CONSECRATION TO ONE GOD IN LOVE
In beginning our Consecration to St. Joseph, we give our attention first to this very act that we are undertaking, which is to Consecrate ourselves to One God in Love. Spurred on by our love for God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we turn toward this beloved Saint as friends and spiritual children, that he will persevere, intercede and lead us to his adopted son.
From among all men, it was St. Joseph who was chosen to be the Foster Father of His Son, the Spouse of the Mother of God and the Protector of her virginity. He was also called forth to care for them, to feed, nurture, provide a place for them to rest their heads and tend to all of their needs. It is not much for us to then take a small step, remembering Mary as both the Mother and Image of the Church, and see in St. Joseph, one who desires to do these very same things for us. He is the one among us who said an unequivocal “Yes” when asked to participate in God’s work and salvation in a most holy and intense way.
To Consecrate ourselves to St. Joseph is first and foremost, not a consecration to man, but to our One God in Love. It is not an act of worship to this beloved Saint, but an act of devotion, invitation and request that through him we may join in this same salvific work. To say it in another way: Out of His Love, God chose St. Joseph as a way for us to participate joyfully in the life of His Son and the Salvation of others.
We may also be reminded of the plea and testimony of St. Teresa of Jesus, who testifies: “I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything which he has not granted; and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favors which God has given me through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul.”
On this first day, it is also worthwhile to recall the Consecration that takes place at each celebration of the Holy Mass. It is not a coincidence or by mere happenstance that we use the same language in Consecrating ourselves. The Consecration is not the setting of the offering to God or request of God to accept our sacrifice. Rather, the Consecration is the time during the Eucharist in which ordinary bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ so that in this Mystery, we see that not only is the act of Consecration an act of lifting up to heaven in the Name of the One God, but through which such ordinary things truly become Christ. Consecration is an activity of substantial change and transformation into becoming more like the one to whom we are being Consecrated. Though in a less perfect way, our consecration to St. Joseph seeks to transform us to also become more like Christ.
Through St. Joseph, in this consecration, we turn toward this beloved and most chosen Saint, that we become his friends and spiritual children, and request that he will persevere, intercede and lead us to his adopted son.
From among all men, it was St. Joseph who was chosen to be the Foster Father of His Son, the Spouse of the Mother of God and the Protector of her virginity. He was also called forth to care for them, to feed, nurture, provide a place for them to rest their heads and tend to all of their needs. It is not much for us to then take a small step, remembering Mary as both the Mother and Image of the Church, and see in St. Joseph, one who desires to do these very same things for us. He is the one among us who said an unequivocal “Yes” when asked to participate in God’s work and salvation in a most holy and intense way.
To Consecrate ourselves to St. Joseph is first and foremost, not a consecration to man, but to our One God in Love. It is not an act of worship to this beloved Saint, but an act of devotion, invitation and request that through him we may join in this same salvific work. To say it in another way: Out of His Love, God chose St. Joseph as a way for us to participate joyfully in the life of His Son and the Salvation of others.
We may also be reminded of the plea and testimony of St. Teresa of Jesus, who testifies: “I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything which he has not granted; and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favors which God has given me through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul.”
On this first day, it is also worthwhile to recall the Consecration that takes place at each celebration of the Holy Mass. It is not a coincidence or by mere happenstance that we use the same language in Consecrating ourselves. The Consecration is not the setting of the offering to God or request of God to accept our sacrifice. Rather, the Consecration is the time during the Eucharist in which ordinary bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ so that in this Mystery, we see that not only is the act of Consecration an act of lifting up to heaven in the Name of the One God, but through which such ordinary things truly become Christ. Consecration is an activity of substantial change and transformation into becoming more like the one to whom we are being Consecrated. Though in a less perfect way, our consecration to St. Joseph seeks to transform us to also become more like Christ.
Through St. Joseph, in this consecration, we turn toward this beloved and most chosen Saint, that we become his friends and spiritual children, and request that he will persevere, intercede and lead us to his adopted son.
LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ graciously hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world . . .
God the Holy Spirit . . .
Holy Trinity, One God . . .
Holy Mary. Pray for us.
St. Joseph . . .
Renowned offspring of David . . .
Light of Patriarchs . . .
Spouse of the Mother of God . . .
Chaste guardian of the Virgin . . .
Foster father of the Son of God . . .
Diligent protector of Christ . . .
Head of the Holy Family . . .
Joseph most just . . .
Joseph most chaste . . .
Joseph most prudent . . .
Joseph most strong . . .
Joseph most obedient . . .
Joseph most faithful . . .
Mirror of patience . . .
Lover of poverty . . .
Model of artisans . . .
Glory of home life . . .
Guardian of virgins . . .
Pillar of families . . .
Solace of the afflicted . . .
Hope of the sick . . .
Patron of the dying . . .
Terror of demons . . .
Protector of Holy Church . . .
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us, O Lord.
℣. He made him the lord of his household.
℟. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray: O God, Who in Your ineffable providence deigned to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of You most holy Mother; grant, be beg You, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom we venerate on earth as our Protector; You who live and reign forever, unto the ages of ages.
--AMEN
TESTIMONY OF ST. TERESA
“I took for my patron and lord the glorious St. Joseph, and recommended myself earnestly to him. I saw clearly that both out of this my present trouble, and out of others great importance, relating to my honor and the loss of my soul, this my father and lord delivered me, and rendered me greater services than I knew how to ask for. I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything which he has not granted; and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favors which God has given me through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul.” --Autobiography, VI.9
ACT OF CONSECRATION
My beloved Joseph, Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary, chosen Protector of the Son of God, I ask of thee, standing before the heavenly hosts, all of the angels and Saints, the Seraphim and Cherubim who stand before the throne of our God, hear my plea of devotion and the desire of my heart to be drawn ever closer to the Most Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus.
I turn to you as my Spiritual Father and place my life and my salvation into your most trustworthy and virtuous hands. Confident in your goodness, I place myself under the cloak of your paternal care and humbly ask that you protect me from the world, temptations of the flesh and assaults of the devil.
St. Joseph, virgin and most pure husband of the Mother of God, the beloved and most worthy spouse of Mary, help me to love her, my mother and Mother of the Church with perfect affection and unending devotion, that through her, in your generous care, I may remain also under her mantle of protection and drawn more perfectly to her son.
Never depart from me, St. Joseph. Nourish me with the Bread of Life, instruct me in the wisdom of the saints, help me to carry my cross, and keep me always in the Holy Catholic Church. When I die, take me to the Kingdom of Heaven to see Jesus and Mary.
From this day onward, I will never forget you. I will speak of you often, spend time with you in prayer and, with your help, earnestly strive to sin no more. Should I fall, help me to repent and go to Confession. Should I go astray, guide me back to the truth.
Before heaven and earth, my soul cries out: Praise to the Holy Trinity who has made you prince over all their possessions! Praise to the Virgin Mary who loves you and longs to see you loved! Praise to you, my spiritual father, the great St. Joseph.
Praise to the Holy Trinity who has blessed you and raised you to be the greatest saint after Mary. Praise to the Virgin who loves you and wants souls to love you. Praise to you, St. Joseph, my father, my guardian, and my all! Amen!
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ graciously hear us. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world . . .
God the Holy Spirit . . .
Holy Trinity, One God . . .
Holy Mary. Pray for us.
St. Joseph . . .
Renowned offspring of David . . .
Light of Patriarchs . . .
Spouse of the Mother of God . . .
Chaste guardian of the Virgin . . .
Foster father of the Son of God . . .
Diligent protector of Christ . . .
Head of the Holy Family . . .
Joseph most just . . .
Joseph most chaste . . .
Joseph most prudent . . .
Joseph most strong . . .
Joseph most obedient . . .
Joseph most faithful . . .
Mirror of patience . . .
Lover of poverty . . .
Model of artisans . . .
Glory of home life . . .
Guardian of virgins . . .
Pillar of families . . .
Solace of the afflicted . . .
Hope of the sick . . .
Patron of the dying . . .
Terror of demons . . .
Protector of Holy Church . . .
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.
Have mercy on us, O Lord.
℣. He made him the lord of his household.
℟. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray: O God, Who in Your ineffable providence deigned to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of You most holy Mother; grant, be beg You, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom we venerate on earth as our Protector; You who live and reign forever, unto the ages of ages.
--AMEN
TESTIMONY OF ST. TERESA
“I took for my patron and lord the glorious St. Joseph, and recommended myself earnestly to him. I saw clearly that both out of this my present trouble, and out of others great importance, relating to my honor and the loss of my soul, this my father and lord delivered me, and rendered me greater services than I knew how to ask for. I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything which he has not granted; and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favors which God has given me through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul.” --Autobiography, VI.9
ACT OF CONSECRATION
My beloved Joseph, Guardian of the Blessed Virgin Mary, chosen Protector of the Son of God, I ask of thee, standing before the heavenly hosts, all of the angels and Saints, the Seraphim and Cherubim who stand before the throne of our God, hear my plea of devotion and the desire of my heart to be drawn ever closer to the Most Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus.
I turn to you as my Spiritual Father and place my life and my salvation into your most trustworthy and virtuous hands. Confident in your goodness, I place myself under the cloak of your paternal care and humbly ask that you protect me from the world, temptations of the flesh and assaults of the devil.
St. Joseph, virgin and most pure husband of the Mother of God, the beloved and most worthy spouse of Mary, help me to love her, my mother and Mother of the Church with perfect affection and unending devotion, that through her, in your generous care, I may remain also under her mantle of protection and drawn more perfectly to her son.
Never depart from me, St. Joseph. Nourish me with the Bread of Life, instruct me in the wisdom of the saints, help me to carry my cross, and keep me always in the Holy Catholic Church. When I die, take me to the Kingdom of Heaven to see Jesus and Mary.
From this day onward, I will never forget you. I will speak of you often, spend time with you in prayer and, with your help, earnestly strive to sin no more. Should I fall, help me to repent and go to Confession. Should I go astray, guide me back to the truth.
Before heaven and earth, my soul cries out: Praise to the Holy Trinity who has made you prince over all their possessions! Praise to the Virgin Mary who loves you and longs to see you loved! Praise to you, my spiritual father, the great St. Joseph.
Praise to the Holy Trinity who has blessed you and raised you to be the greatest saint after Mary. Praise to the Virgin who loves you and wants souls to love you. Praise to you, St. Joseph, my father, my guardian, and my all! Amen!