Model of Faith: Reflecting on the Litany of Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph alone was called to be a father to the Son of God, and his fidelity and courage show each of us how to respond to our vocation as a disciple of Jesus and friend of God. In his wisdom, the Lord empowers Joseph to open his fatherly care to all Christians, to show us how to hear the word of God and act on it, and to shine in every age as a model of faith.

The Litany of Saint Joseph is a powerful prayer that leads us to consider the many ways in which Joseph faithfully and diligently carried out the will of God. As the litany guides us in proclaiming the wonders of Saint Joseph, we are drawn into contemplating the mysteries of God, whom Joseph never fails to praise and serve.

Each of the reflections in this devotional focuses on one of the twenty-two names, titles, or honors of Saint Joseph that we encounter in his litany. As we pray to Saint Joseph, offering our petitions to his care, and contemplating his life and his witness, we are drawn into communion with God who yearns to dwell with each of us, and dwelt in this world in the household of his Saint Joseph.

Saint Joseph, pray for us!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Leonard J. DeLorenzo, Ph.D., directs strategic planning, undergraduate studies, and the Sullivan Family Saints Initiative in the McGrath Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame, where he also teaches in the Department of Theology. The author of seven books including A God Who Questions (OSV, 2019) and the co-editor of a couple more, DeLorenzo writes and speaks regularly on the saints, Catholic education, the biblical imagination, and the development of character, among other topics. He and his wife, Lisa, and their six children live in South Bend, Indiana, where they are parishioners at St. Joseph Church. Find him on social media at @leodelo2 or visit leonardjdelorenzo.com.