St. Joseph the Worker

SJW Parishioners:

Another week of Saints for us to celebrate and emulate, such as:

STS. COSMAS & DAMIAN, MARTYRS---Cosmas & Damian were twin brothers who were doctors.  They cared for the sick of their day, bringing the love of Christ to them.  They were beheaded for the faith around the year 300.  They are patrons of doctors, surgeons, & druggists.

VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST---St. Vincent died in 1660 in Paris. His mission was to reach out to the poor in his area & help them be filled with dignity & love. Also, his concern was for the renewal of the clergy of his time.  He founded the Congregation of the Missions, the Vincentians, to be teachers in the seminary & form priests.  He is the patron of charities, hospitals, & prisoners.  (I was taught by Vincentians at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis.)

STS. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, & RAPHAEL---These three Saints are known as the Archangels.  Michael battled Satan & threw him out of heaven.  Gabriel appeared to Mary at the Annunciation, announcing that she was chosen by God to be the Mother of Jesus.  In the Old Testament, Raphael healed Tobias of his blindness.  They were special messengers of God’s loving care.  St. Michael is the patron of police & security forces; Gabriel, the patron of telecommunications & the postal service; Raphael, the patron of travelers & the blind. 

JEROME, PRIEST & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH---St. Jerome died in the year 420 in Bethlehem. He was a holy monk who was devoted to the study of Sacred Scripture, translating the Bible into Latin. His famous quote: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”  He is the patron of Scripture scholars.

THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN & DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH---St. Therese, often called the “Little Flower,” died of TB in Lisieux at 24 years of age. She was a contemplative throughout her life, often calling people to “the little way.”  She is the patroness of the missions.

Have a “saintly” week!

Your Pastor, Father Joe