News and Events: St. Joseph Novena Day two

Here is day two of Sister Mary Antonella's Novena to St. Joseph.  Remember that you visit St. Joseph four times a day but there is not specific time for these visits.  Sister explains in her directions that it does not matter where or when the visits occur.  So you don't have to worry about trying to say a prayer at a specific time of day or that you have to try to make it to the church.  St. Joseph was a busy man so he understands our busy lives.

The first visit is St. Joseph's Fidelity to Grace
     St. Joseph was like an open vessel ever ready to receive grace.  He knew nothing of that which had happened to his Virgin Bride but the Incarnate Word hidden in the womb of Mary was pouring grace into his virginal soul to beautify it, to strengthen it and to make him a man after God's own heart.  ( Mediate for one minute)
    My God, I thank Thee for St. Joseph's fidelity to grace. I ask through his intercession for fidelity to grace and for...(mention your request)

The second visit is St. Joseph's fidelity to the Interior Life
     Receiving always joyfully of God's gifts whether in joy or sorrow, the grace he was receiving now was like the morning dew falling upon an already beautiful garden of rarest gifts.  Joseph knew not why but his soul rested in a peace and joy known only to those who are ever ready to do God's will.  God was preparing His man for his future work.  (mediate for one minute)
     My God, I thank Thee for St. Joseph's fidelity to the interior life.  I ask through his intercession for fidelity to the interior life and for ...(mention your request).

The third visit is St. Joseph's love of Our Blessed Lady
     Joseph's love for Mary was enhanced day by day.  He knew not why but Mary seemed more beautiful than ever and more holy; so serene, so calm and yet so majestic.  His manly heart went out to her who was already Christ's own Mother ---his too would be the secret but not yet, O Joseph, for God is wont to give His greatest gifts after the most scorching trials.  God knew Him man would not fail Him.
     My God, I thank Thee for St. Joseph's love of Our Blessed Lady.  May I love her as St. Joseph did so that I may love her with his love.  I also ask for ....( mention your request.)

The fourth visit is St. Joseph's love for the Holy Child
     Recall any image of St. Joseph with the Divine Child in his arms.  Meditate on the loving look of Joseph upon that Child of Heaven.  Ask to love the Child Jesus as he loved Him and with his love.  Ask St. Joseph to let us have at least a spark of his love in our hearts for the Child Jesus.  (meditate for one minute)
     My God, I thank Thee for St. Joseph's love for the Holy Child.  May I love Him as St. Joseph did so that I may love Him with Joseph's love.  I also ask for ....(mention your request)