St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, Please Pray for Us! © SalveMaterDei.com, 2013.

As the children and I sit here riveted to the television, watching the Cardinal Electors recite their oath in the Sistine Chapel as they solemnly prepare to elect the new Holy Father, I am overwhelmed by the profundity of this moment in history.

My heart and prayers are with these chosen souls who are entrusted with the immense responsibility of electing the Servant of Servants, the man among them who will fill the shoes of St. Peter, sit in the Cathedra of Peter, and shepherd 1.2 billion Catholics: our Papa!

Opinions and prognostications have flooded forth from both the secular and religious press. It seems everyone has a favorite papabile or at least something to say about the conclave and the election of the new pope.

While the chatter is exciting, the antithesis of all the noise is sacred silence. At this moment in history, perhaps the most meaningful manner we may participate in the election of our new Holy Father is through prayerful sacred silence.

O Guide Our Minds with Thy Blest Light, With Love Our Hearts Inflame. . . © SalveMaterDei.com, 2013.

It is thus I invite you to join my children and I in ardent supplication for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinal Electors and upon our new Holy Father. Each day my older children and I have been offering a novena of the Veni Creator for this intention. We have also been invoking the intercession of the Blessed Mother, and striving to pray the “St. Michael Prayer” with extra devotion.

As we approach the Solemnity of St. Joseph, we have been praying this lovely 2,000 year old prayer to St. Joseph as a novena. Please consider joining us in prayer.

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. Please, St. Joseph, do assist me with your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your Divine Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, all possible spiritual blessings. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and the child 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.

St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, please hold our Cardinal electors close to your Holy Heart. Guide and protect them, and intercede for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them as he who will Shepherd your Divine Son’s flock is chosen. Amen.

Blessings,

Ad Jesum per Mariam,

M.A.     JMJ