Patron Saint of Fathers

Our Roman Catholic beliefs are very important to us. We rarely write about our religious life as we consider it private and sacred. We are breaking our rule of silence because tomorrow is a very special day. We also thought our readers, who are dads and adoptive parents, might enjoy this post as Joseph is the Patron Saint of Fathers.

Tomorrow, March 19th is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. He is the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Foster-Father to Jesus Christ. Feast tables are prepared, rituals are performed and prayers are spoken in his honor. Joseph is also Patron of The Universal Church, Carpenters and Social Justice. Many adoptive parents ask Saint Joseph to intercede, on their behalf, when praying for guidance and assistance related to matters of adoption.

Prayer to Patron Saint Joseph:
Glorious Saint Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you I raise my heart and my hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind heart of Jesus the help and graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor I now implore (REQUEST). Oh, guardian of the word incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your prayers in my behalf will graciously be heard before the throne of God. (REQUEST)
O gracious Saint Joseph through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His name hear my prayers and obtain my petition.

Traditional Feast Day Recipe :
Pasta di San Giuse (pasta with breadcrumbs symbolizing sawdust)
1 lb. Cooked Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
Sauce: 2 TBSP olive oil, 5 cloves chopped garlic, pinch red pepper flakes,2 cups finely chopped fresh fennel, 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 2 TBSP tomato paste, 1 TBSP chopped fresh basil, 4 cans sardines (drained, boneless, skinless)
Heat oil in large pot and saute garlic and pepper flakes. Add fennel, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and basil. Cover and let simmer 30 minutes until fennel is tender. Add sardines and simmer additional three minutes.
Topping: 1 TBSP olive oil, 1 cup fine bread crumbs.
Heat olive oil and add bread crumbs until golden brown.
Pour sauce over pasta, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and serve immediately.