“We must be convinced that, in consideration of his great merits, God will not refuse St. Joseph any grace he asks for those who honor him.” St. Alphonsus Liguori

In January, Father Donald Calloway, a priest of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Virgin Mary, released a new book -- Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father. The book walks its readers through a 33-day preparation for a consecration to St. Joseph, beginning each day with a meditation on the life of St. Joseph, followed by a reading and the Litany to St. Joseph.

Prior to beginning my consecration with this book in February, I had heard several Catholic influencers on Instagram speak about the beauty of this book. They were exactly right. Without a doubt, this book has opened my eyes to the rich devotion of so many saints to St. Joseph, and the powerful intercession we can seek from his loving care.

Father Calloway walks the reader through the 10 wonders of St. Joseph: Delight of Saints, Our Spiritual Father, Young Husband of Mary, Virginal Father of Jesus, Just and Reverent Man, Savior of the Savior, Adorer of Christ, Silent Witness, Patron of a Happy Death, and Terror of Demons. Each wonder reveals a deeper understanding of the life and virtue of this beloved Father.

As the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, St. Joseph protected and provided for the holy family. He knew both Mary and Jesus better than anyone on earth did – and his life was a witness to each of their holiness.

Building off the insight of many great saints such as St. Peter Julian Eymard, St. Josemaria Escriva and Blessed Anne Catherine, Father Calloway weaves together a true picture of the full life that St. Joseph lived – and how the great saint longs to lead us to Christ.

Learning more about the life and legacy of St. Joseph opened my eyes to the great history and devotion of the saints. In an age where true fatherhood is often diminished, St. Joseph provides a perfect example of chastity, strength, and virtue that both men and women seeking holiness can imitate.

I urge as many people as possible to pick up this book -- Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father -- and implore this blessed saint to intercede for us in this day and age.

His feast day, March 19, in the midst of Lent, is marked as a solemnity in the Church calendar – a high feast of celebration. So we put aside our Lenten penances for one day and rejoice at the faithfulness of such a beloved father.

St. Joseph, pray for us!

Join me in praying a Memorare to St. Joseph:

Remember, O Most Chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, my spiritual father, and beg thy protection. O Foster Father of the Redeemer, despise not my petitions, but in your goodness hear and answer me, Amen.