The Sleeping Saint Joseph statue has such a deep and important meaning for Pope Francis. When in 1953 he was only 17 years old he received the Lord’s Call, Jorge Mario Bergoglio entered the church of San José in Buenos Aires, where he became Archbishop.
His devotion towards the putative father of Jesus has been remarked on 19 March 2013, only six days after his election as Bishop of Rome and Pastor of the Universal Church. While inaugurating his Pontificate, he strongly focused his sermon on the role of guardian of St Joseph.
What Does Sleeping St Joseph Symbolize?
Thanks to the Holy Bible, we all know how important and fundamental has been the slumber for Saint Joseph. During his sleep an Angel came to tell him to marry Mary. In the same way, in his dreams he had the apparition of an Angel telling him about escaping to Egypt, due to the imminent Slaughter of the Innocents, ordered by Herod to kill Jesus.
This Saint is a merciful father that always helps those in need. Exactly like St Joseph, men must rise from their slumber, once they heard the Word of God, get up and act for their lives.
Pretty Curious Habits of Pope Francis Linked to Sleeping St Joseph
As a symbol of his devotion, Pope Francis keeps in his office in Domus Sanctae Marthae two statues that represent this Saint. One of them deserves particular attention: it is a famous statue that accompanies the Pontiff since he was rector of the Colegio Máximo de San Miguel. It depicts a Sleeping Saint Joseph, an unusual statue for Europeans but very famous among the faithful from South America.
Many times Pope Francis told about his habit of putting underneath the Sleeping St Joseph statue some little notes with requests for grace and prayers of the faithful, trying to invite the Saint to sleep on it and put it a good word with God.
The Pontiff himself declared in 2015 he particularly loves Saint Joseph, as he is such a strong and silent man, the man of the dreams, that protects and helps everyone even in his sleep.
Check out our Sleeping Saint Joseph statue.
Use it at home to invite St Joseph to sleep on your notes.
Prayer to Sleeping St Joseph
Oh 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. Oh 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 Fathers. Oh St. Joseph, I never weary of 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 me and my loved ones. Amen
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