Sharing in the Ministry of St. Joseph: Two Organizations That Pray for the Dying

In a 1920 statement, Pope Benedict XV endorsed and encouraged popular devotion to St. Joseph-"justly regarded as the most efficacious protector of the dying." He also encouraged support of associations dedicated to praying for the suffering and the dying.

Here are two such associations, both under St. Joseph's patronage, that can help you make this petition a regular part of your prayer life.

THE PIOUS UNION OF ST. JOSEPH was founded in 1913 by Blessed Louis Guanella, an Italian priest who established homes for orphans, people with disabilities, and the abandoned elderly. To help these people to die in the Lord, he always designated a section of his homes to serve as a hospice. He began the Pious Union in 1913 with the blessing and encouragement of Pius X, who enrolled as its first member. Today it includes nearly a million registered members worldwide. Their daily prayer for the dying centers around this invocation:

O St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus Christ and true spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray for us and for those who will die this day/night.

For more information: The Pious Union of St. Joseph, 971 East Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake, Ml 49240-9210 www.piousunionofstjoseph.org

THE SAVE THE DYING ASSOCIATION was launched by Blessed James Alberione, founder of ten religious institutes aimed at using the media to proclaim God's word. Approved by Pope John XXIII in 1963, the association has a special concern for the dying who are "unprepared to meet their God." Members intercede by making a daily offering of prayer, work, sacrifices, or good deeds for this intention.

For more information: Fr. Tom Fogarty, P.O. Box 498, Canfield, OH 444069946; fax:1-330-533-1076; www.vocations-holyfamily.com

- Louise Perrotta

Copyright Word Among Us Nov 2004
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