Every year we make a novena of prayers to St. Joseph. A novena is a period of nine days during which we meet to honour St. Joseph each day. Our Foundress, St. Teresa of Avila had a strong devotion to this saint. He was appointed by God to be the protector and guardian of Jesus and Mary, his family. He has been named Patron of the Universal Church and is also the Patron of our Order, the Discalced Carmelites.
“I took for my Advocate and Lord the glorious St. Joseph”, wrote St. Teresa, “and earnestly recommended myself to him. I saw clearly that he came to my rescue in my need in better ways than I knew how to ask for. I don't recall up to this day ever having petitioned him for anything that he failed to grant.”
Speaking of her work in founding Monasteries she said, “One day after Communion, His Majesty earnestly commanded me to strive for this new Monastery with all my powers. He said it should be called St. Joseph's and that this saint would keep watch over us at one door and Our Lady at the other, that Christ would remain with us and that it would be a star shining with great splendour.”
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