Good Saint Joseph, Pillar of Families!

In her Litany of St. Joseph, Holy Mother Church expresses many beautiful titles for this great Saint: Splendor of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, Foster-father of the Son of God, and so forth. 

One title, however, stands out as especially important for our times: Familiárum cólumen – that is, “Pillar” or “Mainstay” of families. 

There is no doubt about it: The family is under attack – in fact, it is suffering unprecedented diabolical attacks from without and even from within the Church! And although it is painful to witness, it should come as no surprise. After all, Sister Lucia of Fatima wrote to the late Cardinal Carlo Caffarra (1938-2017): “The final battle between the Lord and the reign of satan will be about marriage and the family.” 

To whom, then, shall we turn for shelter and strength during these dark times? To the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, of course, but also to St. Joseph! 

Due to his profound humility and noble silence in the Gospels, St. Joseph is oftentimes overlooked. In reality, though, he is second only to his Immaculate Spouse in the glorious Communion of Saints. He was appointed by God the Father as Head of the Holy Family on earth, and his dignity as such remains the same in Heaven. As St. Teresa of Avila wrote in her autobiography, “Would that I could persuade all men to be devout to this glorious Saint, for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God.” 

Subscribe or renew your subscription to Catholic Family News today and receive a free booklet (while supplies last) – Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph (TAN Books) – to help you grow in your devotion to him who is not only the Pillar and Mainstay of families, but also the “Terror of demons” and “Protector of Holy Church” (Litany of St. Joseph). May we all venerate him with special devotion throughout this month of March, especially on his Feast Day (Mar. 19).

St. Joseph, Pillar and Mainstay of families, pray for us! 

Sincerely in the Holy Family, 

Matt Gaspers

Editor