St Joseph Catholic Ge'ez Rite Kitchener

06/05/2026

in celebrating the Annual Feast of St. Joseph

06/05/2026

Day 7 – Terror of Demons

Among the many titles of Saint Joseph, one of the most striking is “Terror of Demons.” At first glance, this title may seem surprising. The Gospels record no miracles performed by Joseph, no public sermons, and no dramatic confrontations with evil spirits. Yet the Church honors him with this powerful title because of the extraordinary holiness of his life and his unique role in God’s plan of salvation.

The devil opposes everything that belongs to God. Saint Joseph belonged entirely to God. He was chosen to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the foster father of Jesus Christ, and the guardian of the Holy Family. Through his obedience, purity, humility, and faithfulness, Joseph became a powerful instrument in God’s work of salvation. The enemy of souls fears those who faithfully cooperate with God’s grace, and Saint Joseph did so in an exceptional way.

One reason demons fear Saint Joseph is because he protected Jesus and Mary. Satan sought to destroy the Savior from the very beginning. Yet God entrusted the protection of the Holy Family to Joseph. Through his obedience and vigilance, Joseph frustrated the plans of evil and helped preserve the earthly life of the Redeemer. Every act of faithful obedience became a victory over the forces of darkness.

The title also reminds us that humility is stronger than pride. Christian tradition teaches that pride led to the fall of Satan, while humility opens the heart to God. Saint Joseph lived a hidden life without seeking recognition or glory. He accepted God’s will even when it involved sacrifice and uncertainty. His humility became a powerful witness against the pride and rebellion of the devil.

Pope Francis described Saint Joseph as a courageous father who trusted God in difficult circumstances. Saint Josemaría Escrivá likewise spoke of his deep love for Joseph, writing that he could not understand how anyone could love Jesus and Mary without also loving Saint Joseph. Throughout the centuries, countless Christians have turned to Saint Joseph for protection against spiritual dangers, temptations, and fear.

As we conclude this week of reflection, we honor Saint Joseph not only as a great saint of the past but as a powerful intercessor in the present. His life teaches us that holiness is stronger than evil, humility is stronger than pride, and faith is stronger than fear. May his example inspire us to remain close to Jesus and Mary and to trust confidently in God’s protection.

Sources: Litany of Saint Joseph; Pope Francis, Patris Corde; Saint Josemaría Escrivá, Christ Is Passing By, no. 39; Matthew 2:13–15.

06/04/2026

Day 6 – Patron of the Universal Church

In 1870, Pope Pius IX officially declared Saint Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church. This title reflects the Church’s belief that the mission entrusted to Joseph during his earthly life continues in a spiritual way today. Just as Joseph protected Jesus and Mary, he now watches over the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ.

To understand this title, we must first remember Joseph’s role within the Holy Family. God entrusted His greatest treasures to Joseph: Jesus, the Son of God, and Mary, the Mother of God. Joseph guarded them with vigilance, humility, and unwavering dedication. He protected them from danger, provided for their needs, and helped create a home where Jesus could grow in wisdom and grace.

The Church sees a beautiful connection between Joseph’s care for the Holy Family and his care for the Church today. The same man who once watched over Jesus now watches over Christ’s followers. The same guardian who protected the Holy Family is believed to intercede for the Church in her struggles, trials, and mission throughout the world.

Many saints and popes have expressed great confidence in Saint Joseph’s protection. Saint Teresa of Ávila famously wrote that she could not recall ever asking Saint Joseph for a favor without receiving help. Pope Leo XIII encouraged the faithful to seek Joseph’s intercession, especially during times of difficulty, because of the special role God gave him in salvation history.

In our own time, the Church faces many challenges, including secularism, family breakdown, poverty, persecution, and spiritual confusion. The title Patron of the Universal Church reminds us that we are not alone. God has given us a powerful protector and intercessor who continually prays for the Church and all her members.

As we celebrate Saint Joseph today, let us remember that every Catholic belongs to the family he protects. May we entrust our parish, our families, our leaders, and our future to his fatherly care, confident that he continues to watch over the Church with the same love and dedication he showed to Jesus and Mary.

Sources: Decree Quemadmodum Deus (Pope Pius IX, 1870); Pope Leo XIII, Quamquam Pluries; Saint Teresa of Ávila, Autobiography, Chapter 6; Catechism of the Catholic Church §§963–975.

06/02/2026

Day 5 – Model of Workers

Saint Joseph spent much of his life working with his hands. The Gospels identify him as a carpenter, a craftsman who earned his living through honest labor. Though his work may have appeared ordinary to others, the Church recognizes Joseph as a model for all workers because he transformed daily labor into an act of service to God.

The workshop of Nazareth was not merely a place of employment. It was a place where Joseph provided for Mary and Jesus and fulfilled his responsibilities as head of the Holy Family. Through his labor, he demonstrated diligence, patience, skill, and integrity. Every piece of wood he shaped and every task he completed became part of his vocation to serve God.

The Son of God Himself spent many years living and working alongside Joseph. Before Jesus began His public ministry, He shared in the hidden life of Nazareth, learning from Joseph’s example. This reveals the dignity of human work. By choosing to spend most of His earthly life in a working family, Christ elevated the value of ordinary labor.

The Catholic Church teaches that work is more than a means of earning money. It is a participation in God’s creative activity and a way of serving others. Saint Joseph shows us that every honest profession can become a path to holiness when carried out with love, responsibility, and dedication. Whether one works in an office, a factory, a classroom, a farm, or a home, all work has dignity when offered to God.

In 1955, Pope Pius XII established the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker to emphasize the Christian meaning of labor. He wanted workers throughout the world to see in Saint Joseph a protector, guide, and example. Joseph’s life reminds us that success is not measured solely by wealth or recognition but by faithfulness to our duties and service to others.

As we honor Saint Joseph today, let us remember all those who labor to support their families and contribute to society. May Saint Joseph help us approach our work with honesty, excellence, humility, and gratitude, recognizing that every task can become an offering to God.

Sources: Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; Pope Pius XII, Address Establishing the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker (1955); Catechism of the Catholic Church §§2427–2428.

06/01/2026

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Day 4 – Joseph Most Faithful

Among the many titles found in the Litany of Saint Joseph, “Joseph Most Faithful” stands out as a summary of his entire life. The Gospels record no spoken words from Saint Joseph, yet every action attributed to him reveals a man completely devoted to God. His faith was not expressed through public preaching or great miracles but through a lifetime of quiet obedience.

When God spoke to Joseph through dreams, he listened. When God commanded him to take Mary into his home, he obeyed. When God instructed him to flee to Egypt, he rose immediately and departed. When God called him back to Israel, he returned without hesitation. Again and again, Joseph demonstrated a faith that trusted God’s wisdom even when he could not fully understand His plans.

Faithfulness is often tested during moments of uncertainty. Joseph faced many challenges: the unexpected pregnancy of Mary, the difficult journey to Bethlehem, the poverty surrounding Christ’s birth, the flight into Egypt, and the responsibilities of raising the Son of God. Yet in every circumstance, Joseph remained steadfast. He trusted that God would guide him and provide what was needed.

The Catholic Church presents Saint Joseph as a model of perseverance. He teaches us that faith is not merely believing when everything is clear; faith is continuing to trust God when the path ahead is uncertain. Joseph’s fidelity was not temporary or occasional. It was constant. Day after day, year after year, he remained faithful to his vocation as husband, father, worker, and servant of God.

Saint Joseph’s example is especially relevant today. Many people struggle with uncertainty, fear, and discouragement. Joseph reminds us that God does not ask us to know every detail of His plan. He asks us to trust Him and take the next faithful step. Holiness is built through daily acts of obedience, even when no one notices.

As we reflect on Joseph Most Faithful, let us ask ourselves whether we remain faithful to God during both good times and difficult times. Like Joseph, may we learn to trust God’s providence and follow His will with courage and perseverance.

Sources: Matthew 1:24; Matthew 2:13–23; Litany of Saint Joseph; Catechism of the Catholic Church §§143–149; Pope Francis, Patris Corde.

06/01/2026

day with St

Day 3 – Guardian of the Redeemer

One of the most beautiful titles given to Saint Joseph is “Guardian of the Redeemer.” This title reminds us that God entrusted the protection of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, to the care of Saint Joseph. Though Joseph was a simple carpenter, he received a mission of immense importance in salvation history.

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, King Herod sought to destroy the Child. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and instructed him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. Without hesitation, Joseph obeyed. In the middle of the night, he gathered his family and began a difficult journey into a foreign land. Through his courage and obedience, the life of the Redeemer was preserved.

The title Guardian of the Redeemer reveals Joseph’s role as protector. He guarded not only the physical safety of Jesus but also the sacred environment in which the Son of God would grow. Joseph provided stability, security, and loving care for the Holy Family. His vigilance and faithfulness allowed God’s plan to unfold according to His will.

The Church teaches that Joseph’s mission did not end with his earthly life. Just as he once protected Jesus and Mary, he continues to watch over the Church, which is the Mystical Body of Christ. For this reason, many Catholics confidently turn to Saint Joseph during times of difficulty, trusting in his powerful intercession.

Saint Joseph teaches us that God often entrusts great responsibilities to ordinary people. He was not a king, a priest, or a scholar. Yet because he listened to God’s voice and acted with courage, he played an essential role in the history of salvation. His life reminds us that faithfulness in small things can have eternal consequences.

As we reflect on Saint Joseph as Guardian of the Redeemer, let us ask ourselves whether we protect the gifts God has entrusted to us—our faith, our families, our communities, and our relationship with Christ. Joseph’s example encourages us to guard these treasures with vigilance, courage, and love.

Sources: Matthew 2:13–15; Matthew 2:19–23; Saint John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos; Pope Francis, Patris Corde

05/30/2026

days with St

Day 2 – Foster Father of Jesus

Among all the titles given to Saint Joseph, perhaps none is more moving than “Foster Father of Jesus.” Although Joseph was not the biological father of Christ, God entrusted His only Son to Joseph’s care. The Eternal Word, through whom all things were created, chose to grow up under the guidance and protection of a humble carpenter from Nazareth.

The Gospels show us that Joseph fulfilled the responsibilities of a father with remarkable dedication. He named the child Jesus according to the angel’s command, welcomed Him into the House of David, taught Him the traditions of Israel, and provided for Him through honest labor. Jesus was known among the people as “the carpenter’s son” because Joseph was recognized as His earthly father.

The Catholic Church teaches that Joseph exercised true paternal authority within the Holy Family. He protected Jesus from danger, guided Him during His childhood, and provided a stable home in which He could grow in wisdom and grace. Although Jesus was the Son of God, He freely chose to live in obedience to Joseph and Mary, demonstrating the dignity and importance of family life.

Saint Joseph’s fatherhood reminds us that fatherhood is not defined merely by biology but also by love, sacrifice, responsibility, and faithful care. Joseph gave himself entirely to the mission entrusted to him. Every day he worked to provide for Jesus and Mary, often unnoticed by the world but fully known to God.

Pope Saint John Paul II reflected that Joseph’s fatherhood was expressed through complete self-giving. He accepted God’s plan without seeking recognition or reward. In doing so, he became a model for fathers, guardians, teachers, and all who are entrusted with the care of others.

As we honor Saint Joseph today, let us thank God for those who guide, protect, and support us. Through his example, Joseph teaches us that true greatness is found not in power or prestige but in humble service to God and to those He places in our care.

Sources: Matthew 13:55; Luke 2:41–52; Saint John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos §§7–21; Catechism of the Catholic Church §532.

05/30/2026

DAYS WITH ST JOSEPH

Day 1 – Saint Joseph: Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

When God chose the Blessed Virgin Mary to become the Mother of His Son, He also chose Saint Joseph to be her husband and companion in the work of salvation. This title, “Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary,” reveals the unique place Saint Joseph occupies in God’s plan. Before he became the guardian of Jesus, he was first entrusted with the care of Mary, the Mother of God.

The Gospel of Matthew describes Joseph as a “just man” (Matthew 1:19). In the biblical sense, justice means holiness, righteousness, and a willingness to obey God’s will. When Joseph learned that Mary was with child, he faced a situation he could not understand. Yet instead of acting with anger or suspicion, he responded with humility and compassion. After an angel revealed God’s plan to him in a dream, Joseph immediately obeyed and welcomed Mary into his home.

The Catholic Church teaches that the marriage between Joseph and Mary was a true marriage, established by God and directed toward the care and upbringing of Jesus. Though their marriage was unique in salvation history, it was marked by authentic love, mutual respect, and complete dedication to God’s will. Joseph protected Mary’s dignity, accompanied her through many trials, and shared with her the joys and responsibilities of caring for the Savior.

Saint Joseph’s relationship with Mary teaches us the meaning of faithful love. In a world where commitments are often abandoned, Joseph reminds us that true love is patient, sacrificial, and rooted in God. He loved Mary not because of what she could give him, but because he desired to serve God through serving her.

Saint Josemaría Escrivá often encouraged Christians to develop a deep devotion to Saint Joseph. He wrote that Joseph teaches us how to love Jesus and Mary and how to serve God through ordinary daily duties. By faithfully fulfilling his vocation as Mary’s spouse, Joseph became one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church.

As we begin this week dedicated to Saint Joseph, let us remember that holiness often begins with simple faithfulness. Joseph’s quiet obedience changed the course of history and helped prepare the way for our salvation.

Sources: Matthew 1:18–25; Catechism of the Catholic Church §§496–507; Saint John Paul II, Redemptoris Custos; Saint Josemaría Escrivá, The Forge, no. 554.

05/28/2026

ኦ መንፈስ ቅዱስ ሕለፍ ብባርያኻ። 🙏

ካቶሊካዊ ቤተክርስትያን ዘደብረ ቅዱስ ዮሴፍ ዘስርዓተ ግዕዝ ዘበክቺነር ወኣድያሜሃ ካናዳSt Joseph ...

05/25/2026

"በቲ ዝተዋህበና መንፈስ ቅዱስ ፍቅሪ ኣምላኽ ኣብ ልብና ስለ ዝመልአ ኸኣ፥ እታ ተስፋ ኣይተኅፍርን እያ።"
~ ሮማ 5፡5

መንፈስ ቅዱስ ኣብ ህይወትና ክሰርሕ ምስ ጀመረ፥ ህይወትና ፈጺሙ እዩ ዝልወጥ። ናይ በረኸት ይግበራ።

መዝሙር "ሕለፍ ብባርያኻ" ኣብ ቀረባ መዓልታት ትመጽ ኣላ...