Having «the courage to do good»: these words of Don Luigi Orione are well suited to this second week of Lent, but more generally to the entire month of March, dedicated to Saint Joseph. In the apostolic letter Patris corde, dedicated to the Patron of the universal Church during the special year devoted to him, Pope Francis writes: «The life of each one of us can miraculously begin anew if we find the courage to live it according to what the Gospel shows us. And it does not matter if by now everything seems to have taken a wrong turn and some things are irreversible. God can make flowers blossom among the rocks. Even if our heart reproaches us for something, He “is greater than our heart and knows everything” (1 Jn 3:20)».
The faith that Christ taught us can be seen in Saint Joseph, who in his life does not seek shortcuts, but faces “with open eyes” whatever happens to him, taking personal responsibility for it.
And Pope Francis always urges us: «During Lent, let us pay more attention to “speaking words of encouragement, words that comfort, give strength, console and inspire, instead of words that humiliate, sadden, irritate and despise” (Encyclical Fratelli tutti, 223). Sometimes, to give hope, it is enough to be “a kind person who sets aside their worries and urgent concerns to pay attention, to offer a smile, to say a word of encouragement, to make room for listening amid so much indifference” (ibid., 224).» Let us allow ourselves to be inspired by goodness; let us seek to have the «courage to do good»!
MONDAY, MARCH 1
Beginning of the Holy Mantle
The prayer of the Holy Mantle is one of the most widespread devotions among devotees of Saint Joseph, and their testimonies attribute great efficacy to it.
The prayers that make up the Sacred Mantle are very simple and are intended to ask for help and protection from Jesus' earthly father. In addition to declaring one's devotion to Saint Joseph, these prayers meditate on the care that God the Father showed him and also on the familiarity with which he was able to relate to Jesus.
They are recited for thirty consecutive days (in memory of the thirty years of Saint Joseph's life spent in the company of Jesus), beginning today, March 1, or whenever one wishes to express one's devotion to Saint Joseph, ask the Lord for a grace through his intercession, or give thanks for those already received. Saint Teresa of Ávila said: «Whatever grace one asks of Saint Joseph will certainly be granted. Those who do not believe should put it to the test, so that they may be convinced».
To learn more:
• In honor of Saint Joseph. Novena, Sacred Mantle, Sorrows and Joys
• Prayers to Saint Joseph
• Pray, pray, pray
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3
Beginning of the novena to Saint Luigi Orione
Saint Luigi Orione spent his life «singing of love», even amid a tragic reality such as that of the first half of the twentieth century. In the homily at the canonization Mass, John Paul II emphasized that Don Luigi Orione was a «man totally dedicated to the cause of Christ and his Kingdom. Physical and moral suffering, hardships, difficulties, misunderstandings, and obstacles of every kind marked his apostolic ministry. “Christ, the Church, souls – he said – are loved and served on the cross and as crucified people, or they are not loved and served at all” (Writings, 68,81)».
Let us rediscover this beautiful and radiant figure and, with great trust, entrust ourselves to his intercession.
To learn more:
• Don Orione. Giving one's life while singing of love
May this month of March, which entirely encompasses the Lenten journey, with Saint Joseph's help be the time to rediscover where true joy resides, the time to step outside ourselves, and the time for courage and sharing.
All that remains is to implore Saint Joseph for the grace of courage to live the Gospel of Christ.
O Blessed Joseph, show yourself to be a father to us as well,
and guide us on the journey of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil.
Amen.
Have a good journey!
