Showing posts with label SaintJoseph. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SaintJoseph. Show all posts

Tuesday, 13 October 2026

My Den – Home Office 2026

My Den – Home Office 2023

A few years ago I wrote a piece called My Den – Home Office 2022, and then it was updated a year later My Den – Home Office 2023; since that time we had to move because the landlord sold the house we were renting. After we moved I had my den set up, but waited until all the public living spaces and my three children's room were set up and they were happy before deciding how I wanted to do the den. I work in a hybrid model and om only in the office 5 days a month. I also read and write reviews as evidenced by this blog, so I spend a lot of time in this room. It is used for work, fore devotional time, for my hobby of reviewing and more.

We have been settled here nearly a year now, and this is my current space. It is my space to Work, Play, Pray! 

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 1

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 2

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 3

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 4

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 5

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 6

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 7

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den 9

My Den – Home Office 2026 My Den

Across the top above the desk:

Saint Pier Gorgieo Frassati 
Saint Josemaria Escriva
Our Lady Immaculate Heart 
Divine Mercy (a copy of the one in our church.)
Our Lady of La Salette 
Pope Benedict Praying the Rosary
Mary (Have had this one for years from my grandmother)

The three coming down from these on the left of the desk are my children's confirmation saints.


Inside these my:

On the right of the desk are a series of mini icons:

Top Row:

Two icons of Jesus.

Middle Row:

Saint Patrick of Ireland
Saint Brigid of Ireland
Saint Brendan

Bottom Row:

Pope John Paul II
Damien of Molokai
4 Archangels
Saint Gemma Galgani

On the wall to the left of the desk:

Top Row:

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Middle Row:

Sint Nicholas
Saint Charles de Foucauld
Saint David of Wales
Saint George and the Dragon

Bottom Row:

Our Lady of the Snows
Saint Genesius of Rome
Saint Kyriaki

Beside bookcase:

The Father Icon (from St Mark's School of Reading)
Jerusalem Cross
Holy Water Font
Venerable Emil Kapaun
Saint Kevin of Glendalough

On the desk:

Memento Mori Skull
2 Stands for Prayer Cards That I have a box I rotate through.
Statue of Mary
Desk Standing Crucifix Wood
Desk Standing Crucifix Metal
Pope Leo Challenge Coin

On the Bookcase:

Second Class Relic of Fulton Sheen
Homeless Jesus - Timothy Schmalz
When I Was a Stranger - Timothy Schmalz
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Saint Joseph
Saint Gabriel Challenge Coin
Armour of God Challenge Coin
A crucifix with candle holder base a friend made for me.

The new icons and artwork come from a variety of sources, for some I have linked to the sites above. Some more detailed pictures below. 



Timothy Schmalz has some incredible sculptures, and they are all over the world.


These are icons from Theophilia on Deviant Art. I love that they are younger versions of the saints than often we encounter. I picked up Saint Patrick for me, Joan of Arc for my 26 year old daughter I just found out about last year. And the other three for my children here at home. 


These are 3 of 6 Greek Orthodox Catholic Icons I purchased. They are smaller than I expected. But on a nice thick piece of stained wood. The Smaller icons come from Holy Art.

Finally the two painting on either side of the entrance were both painted by my youngest. She is 11 now Jack Skellington was painted a few years ago. The Fall Scene this last fall at school.

The Divine Mercy at out church was painted by a local artist for a previous pastor. I love her rendition of it.


The main sources for my religious art are:


As a side note about the confirmation saints for my children I pray for them each time the icon catches my attention. When they are older and moving out for work or school I plan on taking them down and giving them to them. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my space. And maybe it will inspire you to add an icon, sculpture or two to your own work space. 

Related Posts:
…

Sunday, 7 December 2025

A Prayer of the Day Act of Consecration to St. Joseph

Act of Consecration to St. Joseph 
Prayer of the Day  


Saint Joseph, spouse of Mary, virginal father of Jesus, and my spiritual father, I consecrate myself entirely to you. I lovingly embrace your fatherhood and take refuge under your paternal cloak. Help me to pray and be virtuous today. Instruct me in the wisdom of the saints, protect me from the snares of the enemy, and keep me from sinning. Should I take my last breath today, be by my side, and take me to heaven to be with Jesus and Mary. 
Amen.
  
Note: Every so often I post a prayer I use as part of my daily prayers. I have been praying this one most days since I read the book it came from:

Consecration to St. Joseph: 
The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

Donald H. Calloway, MIC
Marian Press
ISBN 
9781596144316
eISBN 9781596145221
ASIN B083BFGDYS


Other reviews and articles about Saint Joseph:
Consecration to St. Joseph - Fr. Donald Calloway
Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph Compiled from Traditional Sources- TAN Books
Prayer to Saint Joseph Prayer of the Day
Joseph of Nazareth - Federico Suarez
Devotion to St. Joseph - F. Declaux
Go to St. Joseph: Do Whatever He Tells You - Brian Kiczek
Saint Joseph: Help for Life's Emergencies - Kathryn J. Hermes
Feast of Saint Joseph 2018 Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary Principal Patron of Canada
Companion to Saint Joseph - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series
Saints of the Roman Canon - Julien Chilcott-Monk - CTS Living the Liturgy Series
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues - Jean M. Heimann

Thursday, 7 November 2024

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Saints Ancient & Modern
Barbara Calamari
ISBN 9780670038497
ASIN B00S6PS1FC

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

I stumbled upon another volume by this writing team and have since reading that first one tracked down all but 1 in digital format. Because of a dual form of dyslexia I greatly prefer eBooks. The first volume I read was all about Holy Cards, and it was a fascinating read. There are four editions of this work I can find released between 2007 and 2015by Avery, Studio and Viking Studio. 

The description of this volume states:

“Journey through time as Saints reveals the wonder and power of God through full color illustrations, images and inspirational prayers.

For more than two thousand years, the Christian saints have had great influence worldwide. They lived full, passionate lives and remain compelling examples of God’s work here on Earth. Now, this new, inspiring collection of biographies reveals the legendary stories, little-known facts, and inspiring beliefs of some of the best-loved saints.

Saints explores a select group of these individuals whose influence can be felt profoundly in the modern day. Each profile includes a biography with patronage and feast dates throughout the world, along with prayers both to and about each saint. These saints inspired countless classic artworks and you’ll also learn the symbols used to identify each.

From the patience of Saint Joseph and independence of Saint Ursula, to the boldness of Saint Joan of Arc and the love of Saint Pio, God’s grace and power is made evident to us all. Despite the tumultuous times in which these saints lived, they remained uniquely themselves on the path to holiness, making this collection especially real and relevant today. Whether you aspire to follow in the footsteps of the saints, or just want to learn more about these men and women, you’ll find Saints a stimulating read and the perfect gift for others.”

The subtitle on one edition of the book states: 

“reveals the legendary stories, little-known facts, and inspiring beliefs of some of the best loved saints, and prays.”

At the beginning of the book, before the title page we are informed:

“For more than two thousand years, the Christian saints have had great influence worldwide. Now, this new, inspiring collection of biographies reveals the legendary stories, little-known facts, and inspiring beliefs of some of the best loved saints. Full color throughout, each profile includes a biography with patronage and feast dates, along with prayers both to and about the saint.”

The chapters and sections in this volume are:

Acknowledgements 
Introduction

Ancient Saints
     Saint Michael  
     Saint Anne 
     Saint Joseph 
     Saint Mary Magdalene 
     Saint Jude 
     Saint Cecilia  
     Saint Valentine 
     Saint Christopher 
     Saint Lucy 
     Saint Nicholas 
     Saint Ursula 
     Saint Benedict

Modern Saints
     Saint Francis of Assisi 
     Saint Clare of Assisi 
     Saint Anthony of Padua 
     Saint Rita of Cascia 
     Saint Joan of Arc 
     Saint Teresa of Avila 
     Saint Martin de Porres 
     Saint Thérèse of Lisieux 
     Saint Teresia Benedicta of the Cross 
     Saint Pio

Written Works by the Saints 
Canonization
Index
Picture credits  

My first time through this volume I only highlighted one passage:

“Every town and country has saints that are familiar to the local residents and obscure to the rest of us. Since it is estimated that there are more than ten thousand formally recognized saints, it was possible to profile only a very few for this book. Instead of brief biographies and images of many significant saints, we opted to go into detail about a varied handful that have an ongoing influence in modern life. The saints we have chosen are in no way the most important or exalted; many are extremely popular, some less well known. They bring with them a mix of personalities and ethnic cultures that reflect the makeup of today’s diverse society.”

Each of the saints has three or four page double page spread. The first two page spread is the name of the saint, a full page picture or photo of classic artwork or of the saint. Then each has:

Feast Day:
Patron of:
Invoked for:
Symbols:

Then the information about this saint and it concludes with a prayer. A sample info section for Saint Michael is:

Feast Day: September 29
Patron of: Belgium, Brussels, England, Germany, Umbria, firemen, grocers, health, knights, mariners, policemen, soldiers
Invoked for: good health, a holy death, physical protection
Symbols: defeating the devil or a serpent, scales, sword

A sample prayer is:

“Prayer for the Intercession of Saint Teresa Benedicta

Lord, God of our fathers, You brought Saint Teresa Benedicta to the fullness of the science of the cross at the hour of her martyrdom.

Fill us with the same knowledge, and, through her intercession, allow us always to seek after you, the supreme truth, and to remain faithful until death to the covenant of love ratified in the blood of your Son for the salvation of all men and women.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

A few of the chapters have extra photos or highlight specific quotes from the chapters. 

This is an amazing little volume. I absolutely loved working through it and plan on rereading it again. The chapters are 6 to 8 pages. And does an amazing job conveying a great deal of information about the saint. It is an excellent book I can easily recommend for home, school, or church library! 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Sample 1

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Sample 2

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Sample 3

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Alternate Cover

Books by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua:
Holy Cards (2004)
…

Other items by Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua:
Our Lady of Guadalupe in a Box: A Novena Prayer Kit (2002)
Holy Cards: Note Card Set in a Drawer (2005)

Books by Barbara Calamari:
The Bible Companion: The Complete Illustrated Handbook to the Holy Scriptures
…

Patron Saints - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Visions of Mary - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Holy Cards - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Sample 3

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Sample 2

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Sample 1

Saints Ancient & Modern - Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua Alternate Cover



Saturday, 22 June 2024

Prayer of the Day Litany of St. Joseph

Prayer of the day Litany of St. Joseph 


Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
  
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. He has made him lord of his household,
R. And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.


This prayer is taken from:

Consecration to St. Joseph: 
The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father

Donald H. Calloway, MIC
Marian Press
ISBN 
9781596144316
eISBN 9781596145221
ASIN B083BFGDYS

I have tried to pray this prayer daily since I first encountered it back in 2020, when I read this book. As a husband and Father I pray to Saint Joseph a few times a day asking for him to intercede for me. 

Thursday, 21 March 2024

30 Day Consecration to St Joseph - Father Gerard Skinner - CTS Books

30 Day Consecration to St Joseph
Fr Gerard Skinner
ISBN 9781784697730
eISBN 9781784697181
ASIN B0CS6YB9QC
CTS Booklet D850

30 Day Consecration to St Joseph - Father Gerard Skinner - CTS Books

I have read over 75 books and booklets that are part of the CTS Prayers & Devotions Series. Some of the earlier ones are just mark CTS Devotions, but more recent ones have both Prayers and Devotions listed as the series name. This series has spanned decades. It has had books come in and out of print. This volume was published in the winter of 2024 and I picked up the eBook as soon as it released, and started reading it within a few days. It is an excellent little volume.

The description of this volume is:

“St Joseph shows us a very special example of holiness. In this beautiful book of consecration, Fr Gerard Skinner provides meditations to bring us to Jesus through the powerful intercession of his foster father, St Joseph.

St Joseph shows us a very special example of holiness. The titles given to him by the Church tell us he is the most just, chaste, prudent, strong, obedient and faithful. He is named the Pillar of Families, Solace of the Wretched, Hope of the Sick, Patron of the Dying, Protector of the Church and Terror of Demons.

In this beautiful book of consecration, Fr Gerard Skinner provides the prayers and meditations to bring our hearts and our needs to Jesus through the powerful intercession of his foster father, St Joseph.”

The chapters and sections in this volume are:

Prepare the Soil of Your Heart
Calendar of Possible Consecration Dates
The Apostles’ Creed
Litany of St Joseph
Consecration Days 1-30
“Thirty Days” Prayer to St Joseph
Prayer of Consecration to St Joseph

About the author we are informed:

“Fr Gerard Skinner studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Venerable English College in Rome. A priest of the Diocese of Westminster, he has written, contributed to or edited many publications. His other books include Newman the Priest, Father Ignatius Spencer, Dominic Barberi and The Douai Martyrs.”

I highlighted a few passages while working through this volume, some of them are:

“To consecrate oneself is a profound spiritual act. It is a simple act and yet a significant one. Words are used, but it is the heart that speaks to the heart of another. To consecrate oneself to St Joseph means turning to him with all one’s heart to seek to become more like Jesus.”

““Glorious Patriarch St Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.””

“God has created me to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another.”

“St Joseph steadfastly kept before his eyes and heart, and lived out, love of God and neighbour, the greatest of the commandments. He encourages us to examine our hearts and minds, and our actions as well. As St Pope Paul VI preached, “The Gospel describes St Joseph as a Just Man. No greater praise of virtue and no higher tribute to merit could be applied to a man”.”

“The Holy Family encourages us to nurture the gift of gratitude and to discern carefully that what we ask of God be according to his will.”

A sample meditation is:

“Day 13 – Gratitude

Theme: To discern what we ask for in prayer

Opening Prayer
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never has it been known that anyone who asked for your help and sought your intercession was left unaided. Full of confidence in your power, I hasten to you, and beg your protection. Listen, O foster father of the Redeemer, to my humble prayer, and in your goodness hear and answer me. Amen.

Scripture
And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord…and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle-doves, or two young pigeons”. …And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
         (Lk 2:22, 24, 34-35)

Reading from St Bonaventure
He [St Joseph] lived content in his poverty.

Reflection
The offering of the Blessed Virgin and St Joseph was the offering of the poor – those who were richer would have presented a lamb and a pigeon or a dove. Yet, of course, the Lamb of God was presented that day, but the time of sacrifice was yet to come. The Holy Family would have been filled with gratitude to God for the gift of the Child Jesus and for all that they had. The Holy Family encourages us to nurture the gift of gratitude and to discern carefully that what we ask of God be according to his will.

Prayer of Bl Gennaro Maria Sarnelli C.S.S.R.
O most faithful Saint who shared the mysteries of our Redemption, glorious St Joseph, the prophecy of Simeon regarding the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused you to shudder with mortal dread, but at the same time filled you with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection which, he foretold, would be attained by countless souls.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that we may be among the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection. Amen.”

It was wonderful to spend 30 days working through this volume and spending time with Saint Joseph. The reflections and prayers draw from many sources throughout church history. This is the third concentration to saint joseph that I have worked through. The other two were:

Consecration to St. Joseph - Fr. Donald Calloway
Saint Joseph the Protector - Father Mark Goring - A nine-day preparation for entrustment to St. Joseph

This one is an excellent way to consecrate yourself to saint Joseph. At the beginning of the volume is a chart with numerous start dates so you end on specific feats. There is also information on how to plan and finish on any day of your choice. When I worked through it I just started reading and finished on the day I finished. 

This booklet was a great read. It was engaging, informative and to be honest it challenged me. I loved that there were so many different sources for reflection and for prayers. I can easily recommend this booklet for any Catholic. It is another great read from the CTS.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

For reviews of other books in the CTS Prayers & Devotions series click here.

Books by Gerard Skinner:
Newman the Priest - Father of Souls
The English Vicars Apostolic (1688-1850)
Dominic Barberi
The Pallium: A Brief Guide To Its History And Significance
Father Ignatius Spencer: English Noble and Christian Saint
...

Other reviews and articles about Saint Joseph:
Consecration to St. Joseph - Fr. Donald Calloway
Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph Compiled from Traditional Sources- TAN Books
Prayer to Saint Joseph Prayer of the Day
Joseph of Nazareth - Federico Suarez
Devotion to St. Joseph - F. Declaux
Go to St. Joseph: Do Whatever He Tells You - Brian Kiczek
Saint Joseph: Help for Life's Emergencies - Kathryn J. Hermes
Feast of Saint Joseph 2018 Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary Principal Patron of Canada
Companion to Saint Joseph - J.B. Midgley - CTS Companions Series
Saints of the Roman Canon - Julien Chilcott-Monk - CTS Living the Liturgy Series
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues - Jean M. Heimann

Thursday, 28 September 2023

My Den – Home Office 2023

My Den – Home Office 2023

Last year I wrote a piece called My Den – Home Office 2022, since that time there have been some updates. My youngest daughter has chosen Joan of Arc and I have added another Joan icon for that. I added a St. David of Wales, because my oldest two children attend a school named after him. Last year I stated that I did not have a den or personal space for the last 11.5 years. The house we were in was smaller, 3 bedrooms and 4 of us when we moved in and 5th in under a year. For a long time I had a desk in the basement, beside my wife’s crafting desk and supplies. For the last 2 years with Covin-19 and working from home full time, I had a small desk in the living room. It placed me on the central floor of the house and when all three children were doing remote learning I could hear anything brewing on the floor above or below. Then the house we have been renting for over 11 years was put on the market. We moved to a very beautiful hose. The children each have their own rooms now. And my wife and I share a space. It is my den/home office, and her scrapbooking space. For the first 6 months I did not put anything up in the den. I had stuff that had been around my desk at home, and always had stuff up in my cubicle at work. But I wanted to plan this out. This is what it now looks like almost 18 months later.

After that initial 6 months I put up a few icons I already had. And started planning what I would like my office to look and feel like. It has taken me another 5 months but this is where my set up now. Work, Play, Pray! 







Across the top above the desk:

Pope Benedict Praying the Rosary
Our Lady Immaculate Heart 
Saint Josemaria Escriva
Divine Mercy (a copy of the one in our church.)
Mary (Have had this one for years from my grandmother)
Our Lady of La Salette 
The Father Icon (from St Mark's School of Reading)

The three coming down from these are my children's confirmation saints.


Inside these my:

Beside these:

Saint Gemma Galgani
4 Archangels
Our Lady of Perpetual 
Saint Brendan
Saint Patrick

On the outside of the corner:

Our Lady of the Snows
Saint Kyriaki
Saint George and the Dragon
Saint Nicholas
Saint David of Wales

On the bookcase behind me:

Immaculate Heart of Mary
Saint Joseph

Pope Benedict XVI
Damien of Molokai
Our Lady of La Salette 

Beside bookcase:

Crucifix with soil from Jerusalem
Saint Damien of Molokai
Saint Brigid of Ireland
Saint John Paul II

On the desk:
Memento Mori Skull
Homeless Jesus - Timothy Schmalz
When I Was a Stranger - Timothy Schmalz
Statue of Mary
Pocket Cross

The new icons and artwork come from a variety of sources, for some I have linked to the sites above. Some more detailed pictures below. 



Timothy Schmalz has some incredible sculptures, and they are all over the world.


These are icons from Theophilia on Deviant Art. I love that they are younger versions of the saints than often we encounter. I picked up Saint Patrick for me, Joan of Arc for my 26 year old daughter I just found out about last year. And the other three for my children here at home. 


These are 3 of 6 Greek Orthodox Catholic Icons I purchased. They are smaller than I expected. But on a nice thick piece of stained wood. The Smaller icons come from Holy Art.

Finally the two painting on either side of the entrance were both painted by my youngest. She is 11 now Jack Skellington was painted a few years ago. The Fall Scene this last fall at school.

The Divine Mercy at out church was painted by a local artist for a previous pastor. I love her rendition of it.


The main sources for my religious art are:


As a side note about the confirmation saints for my children I pray for them each time the icon catches my attention. When they are older and moving out for work or school I plan on taking them down and giving them to them. I hope you enjoyed the tour of my space. And maybe it will inspire you to add an icon, sculpture or two to your own work space. 

Related Posts: