I attribute meeting Stephen to the intercession of Saint Joseph. In my early twenties, I began the practice of praying to him in front of his statue after every Mass. Back then, I attended Mass multiple times a week if not daily—so we saw each other quite a bit.

My prayer was always something along the lines of: send me a good man soon. Someone who loves God. Someone who can love me well.

And he did! Maybe he was just tired of a whiney twenty-something harassing him on the reg.

In any case, I met Stephen only a couple of years after I began this persistent prayer, and the first time Stephen and I talked one-on-one was in the church we later got married in, in front of a statue of Saint Joseph.

As the patron of families, workers, engineers, and some other BIG things, his novena is an incredible opportunity to ask for his intercession. Right now, as we are facing a huge transition from the military to the civilian world and Stephen is immersed in an intense job search for an engineering position, this year felt like the absolute best year to pray this novena.

Furthermore, it’s a great year to celebrate him! His feast is March 19. Here are some ideas if you want to join in the festivities. But seriously, if you have something major in your life you need help with—go to Joseph.

1. No fasting!!! This feast of Saint Joseph is a Solemnity. This means that, even though it takes place during Lent, we have a dispensation from our Lenten fasts! Meat, alcohol, sweets…it’s all on the table.
2. decorate with lilies! Saint Joseph is often depicted with lilies as they are a symbol of his chastity. Plus they are just so pretty!
3. If you are feeling extra ambitious you can make your own rendition of the Saint Joseph altar. This Sicilian tradition started way back as a means of showing their gratitude to St. Joe for saving them from famine. You could incorporate a small image of him, carpentry tools, limes, bread, and bottles of wine!
4. Cook Italian. The Sicilians have a tremendous devotion to Saint Joseph, so making Italian food is appropriate. Pasta con sarde is one of the traditional dishes eaten on his feast, as well as zeppole for dessert. But I think a simple spaghetti with meatballs, chicken alfredo, or even pizza works too :).
5. Bake bread! Another traditional food for this feast is St. Joseph’s bread! This is something I’m excited to try.
6. Say a prayer. There is no doubt that Saint Joseph is a powerful intercessor. If nothing else, consider saying this prayer on his feast.

Bottom line: living liturgically does not have to be complicated. Most of us don’t have the capacity to throw a big party or make pizza from scratch. BUT I think we all have a minute to offer up a prayer of petition and thanksgiving and raise a glass to the patron of the Universal Church who is undoubtedly looking out for us.

Happy feasting!

Miranda