Lough Derg again
March 19th is traditionally the feast of St. Joseph, although it is bumped to Monday this year because of the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Here you see a quiet place on Lough Derg, to pray and think about these two mighty saints - Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph.
In my book, I propose that Saint Joseph may have been phlegmatic in temperament because we never hear a single word from him in Scripture. He is quiet, hardworking, and doesn't act impulsively. Saint Patrick, on the other hand, is vocal and a man of action. These two men, with contrasting temperaments, show us an example of alternate paths to God. Every temperament is made to help us return to God, from Whom we came.
Years ago, a dear sanguine priest named Fr. Paul Wickens threw celebrations at his church (St. Anthony's in New Jersey) for St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's Day. I remember visiting there one Sunday, and he announced that there would be Irish soda bread and cannolis to celebrate the two saints, for his predominantly Irish and Italian congregation. To this day, I chuckle over the idea of using cannolis to honor St. Joseph! So whether you are celebrating with Irish soda bread, cannolis, or some other refreshment, have a happy feast day! Here is some St. Joseph inspiration for us:
"The joy of the Blessed Virgin in thus finding her beloved Son (after three days' loss in Jerusalem), whom she had mourned as lost, has often been a subject of devout meditation. In this joy Saint Joseph shared in an eminent degree; for if he had shared her grief, 'thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing,' how can we but believe that He who will wipe away the tear from every eye, deluged the soul of His foster-father with an ocean of consolation and joy?"
"Happy we if we never rest when we have lost Jesus by our sins, till we find Him, and taste the joy which His presence will afford, here and hereafter." ~ Fr. Joseph Ignatius Vallejo, SJ. The Life of St. Joseph, Most Worthy Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Foster-father of Jesus. Copyright 1884.
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