Discernment and a Prayer to Saint Joseph

This is the prayer that I refer to in the bulletin this week, one I've said all my life periodically after my mother shared it with me. At the time, it was published in the Pieta prayer book. Tradition holds that, upon finishing the ninth day of this morning prayer, if you receive roses or smell the scent of roses on that ninth day, the answer to your prayer is affirmative. In my most recent use of this prayer, I saw roses in a gas station, and I just knew in my gut this was my answer. Interestingly, I always forget that this prayer is to St. Joseph, for his intercession. How powerful, especially in this year of Saint Joseph! I encourage anyone to try it ... what do you have to lose?

"O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. [insert your intention here] O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord, so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen."

Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.