St. Jeanne Jugan had a special devotion to St. Joseph, confiding all her undertakings and cares to his powerful protection. She considered him to be the great Protector and Provider of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Paul Milcent, in his book, Humble So As To Love More, provides a descriptive account of her devotion as follows: “…Jeanne saw the old people eating dry bread. ‘But this is the land of butter!’ she exclaimed. ‘Why on earth don’t you ask St. Joseph for some?’ She lit a night-light in front of St. Joseph’s statue, and had all the empty butter-dishes fetched and propped up a card: ‘Good St. Joseph, send us butter for our old folk!’ Visitors were amazed or amused at such simplicity of heart; one of them expressed misgivings at the sight of the empty butter-dishes! But a few days later, an anonymous donor sent a very large amount of butter, and all the dishes were filled.”
It is with this devotion that the Feast Day of St. Joseph was celebrated on March 19th in our chapel. Most Reverend Arthur J. Serratelli, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, was the Main Celebrant at the concelebrated Mass. The organist and soloist shared their talents and filled the chapel with beautiful song. A gathered congregation of Little Sisters, Residents, volunteers, AJJ members, Auxiliary members, Advisory Board members, friends and benefactors inwardly reflected upon the many prayers that have been offered to, and answered, by “Good St. Joseph.”
Following the Mass, dinner was held and Bishop Serratelli offered a special prayer. It was a festive gathering in which our Residents, especially, were grateful for the time they had conversing and visiting with our guests.
Thank you, St. Joseph, for continuing to watch over and provide.
Photo: Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of the Diocese of Paterson, was the main celebrant at the concelebrated Mass. He was joined by Bishop Charles McDonnell and Bishop Dominic Marconi, retired auxiliary bishops of the archdiocese of Newark, Archbishop Emeritus Peter Leo Gerety of the archdiocese of Newark and many other priest friends.
Feast Day of St. Joseph