Today is my Name Day, or Feast Day!! Pretty exciting stuff. Actually, my wife and I have decided we are going to make this a custom in our household. Not because we want to be european but because our names are meaningful, and we named our daughter for a very distinct reason, choosing a Saint's name on purpose. Therefore, the feast day of that Saint should be important not only for the purpose of honoring the Saint, but honoring our Catholic heritage and faith.
With today being St. Joseph's Day it is special to me for a lot of reasons. One, it is my first St. Joseph's Day, who is the father of the Universal Church, as a father. Second, I just finished the St. Joseph Novena, along with several others including Brian - co-author of the blog, to better discern and realize my vocation as a husband, father, and worker. Thirdly, the name Joseph is also that of our Pope. He always needs our prayers and it seems now more than ever and therefore this unity through names allows me to unify my prayer and my thought on several people, several intentions, and in several ways.
For those wanting more info about St. Joseph and the various things that occur today here are some links:
One of my most treasured memories about my Feast Day was my grandmother telling me about the Swallows at the Mission of San Juan Capistrano. For those that don't know about that here is a version:
I would be remiss if I didn't at least list one St. Joseph Prayer. I know that you are probably overwhelmed with St. Joseph material today, but we can never have too much can we? Plus as my namesake, I think it is appropriate:The miracle of the "Swallows" of Capistrano takes place each year at the Mission San Juan Capistano, on March 19th, St. Joseph's Day.As the little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows.Each year the "Scout Swallows" precede the main flock by a few days and it seems to be their chief duty to clear the way for the main flock to arrive at the "Old Mission" of Capistrano.With the arrival of early dawn on St. Joseph's Day, the little birds begin to arrive and begin rebuilding their mud nests, which are clinging to the ruins of the old stone church of San Juan Capistrano. The arches of the two story, high vaulted Chapel were left bare and exposed, as the roof collapsed during the earthquake of 1812.This Chapel, said to be the largest and most ornate in any of the missions, now has a more humble destiny--that of housing the birds that St. Francis loved so well.After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the "JEWEL OF ALL MISSIONS" San Juan Capistrano, California.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your devine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.
-Posted by: Joe
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