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23 ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER | THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH What words come to mind when you think of St. Joseph? So many words come to mind, mainly virtues – humility, silence, obe- dience, attentiveness to God's word and will, strength, courage, ser- vant-leader, guardian, protector. Have you ever prayed specifically to St. Joseph about something? I have prayed for St. Joseph's intercession numerous times. Most notably, in my youth, I prayed for a husband who would be like St. Joseph. After each Mass that I attend, whether Sunday or weekday, I pray a St. Joseph prayer my grand- mother taught me for his intercession for the holi- ness and vocations of my four sons. How would you describe St. Joseph to someone unfamiliar with his story? I would say that he was the husband of Mary, Mother of God, and the foster father of Jesus Christ, Son of God. His role was so import- ant, overseeing our Lord's birth, the Incarnation, and protecting, guiding, and leading an immaculate Mary and the Messiah. I would give examples from what we know of Joseph's life that showed his atten- tiveness and obedience to God's will. I would point out something that has always struck me – that we don't have any record of his words, yet we can learn so much from him, easily rec- ognizing his many virtues. What role/if any has St. Joseph played in your life? We have claimed St. Joseph as patron of our family. Since I credit his interces- sion for finding my hus- band, who also chose St. Joseph as his Confirmation saint, I would say he plays a very big role. I am sincerely grateful and oftentimes amazed by my husband, who truly does exemplify so many of St. Joseph's virtues. When I pray for my husband, in gratitude for him or through difficult moments or big decisions in life, for his leadership of our family, and his vocation as husband to me, father of a large family and spiri- tual father to many, I pray specifically for St. Joseph's intercession. How have you tried to live courageously like St. Joseph? I continually seek to have St. Joseph's attentiveness to God's will and his sur- render to that holy will. There have been times in our lives that our Lord has asked us to do things that seem unreasonable and irrational. All those things in life we can't explain in the moment, but later we see the beautiful blessing of them. If you could ask St. Joseph a ques on, what would you ask? I would ask two questions. One, I would ask him to pray for my husband's and my sons' holiness, and second, I would ask how I can be an aid in that as a wife and mother. ANGELA URBAN St. Mary Catholic Church, Littleton What do you remember learning about, or thinking about, St. Joseph when you were a child? My grandmother had a beautiful love and devotion to St. Joseph. I remem- ber her talking about his humility and obedience and his very important role in the Holy Family. She spoke so highly of him, even expressing her strong feelings that he should have more recognition and honor. I remember how excited she was when his name was added in the Eucharistic prayers of the Mass. She would do things like make sure her Christ- mas card had St. Joseph on it. Her love for him was infectious – it created a love in me too, and I ultimately chose him as my Confirma- tion saint.