Issue link: http://archden.uberflip.com/i/1366114
19 ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER | THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH Have you ever prayed specifically to St. Joseph about something? All the time nowadays. After attending a women's retreat with the Sisters of Life, I left with a deep devo- tion to St. Joseph and since my husband chose him as his confirmation saint last year, we have entrusted many of our family prayer intentions to St. Joseph. We are starting the consecra- tion to St. Joseph in a few weeks! What words come to mind when you think of St. Joseph? Terror of Demons. I think it is such a powerful depic- tion of someone who is somewhat unexpected to have that title but is well deserving of it. He raised the Son of God and pro- tected our mother Mary and continues to protect our own family as we orient our lives to Christ every day and work to build a holy family and sacred space in our home. If you could ask St. Joseph a ques on, what would you ask? What were your favorite memories of Jesus as he was growing up? How have you tried to live courageously like St. Joseph? I have tried to have his gumption when it comes to the unexpected moments in life. I strive to rise to the occasion of the challenges in life as St. Joseph did when he was visited by Archangel Gabriel, rather than living in worry and resentment. ⊲ How would you describe St. Joseph to someone unfamiliar with his story? St. Joseph is the best bal- ance of strong, comforting, helpful, and devout. His love and faithfulness to the Lord enabled him to set a firm foundation for the Holy Family, have the courage to journey what were most likely dangerous and scary trips to keep his family safe from the time Mary was pregnant with Jesus and as he grew older, and embodies the defini- tion of a hard worker. St. Joseph is such a relatable saint in that he worked a job like most of us and is an example for us to approach work with intentionality, care, and prayer. He is a heavy hitter when it comes to our prayer intentions. LAUREN CASTILLO Director of Development at Students for Life of America What do you remember learning about, or thinking about, St. Joseph when you were a child? When I was little, we had this beautiful very mas- culine, rugged looking St. Joseph statue at our parish, Notre Dame, and I was drawn to it for as long as I remember. I would always think that he had to have been such an incredible protector of the Holy Family, but he had a tender- ness in his eyes. Growing up it reminded me of my dad, someone who would protect our family but was gentle and approachable at the same time.