A Poem for the Virgin Mary

My painting of Our Lady of the Southern Cross.
(acrylic, c. May 2011)

I praise and worship the Triune God, 

for giving you to me, my Glorious Queen.

You who with trust bore and gave birth to my Lord,

I rejoice for with your 'fiat' I am redeemed. 

'Ave Maria gratia plena Dominus tecum',

with the Archangel Gabriel I sing.

By a singular grace you were conceived sinless --

as only God can grant you through Jesus our Sovereign King.

To you oh Virgin Mary my Sweetest Lady,

I give honor as Jesus Himself honored you.

I thank Jesus your Son for entrusting me to you;

Know my dearest Mother that I love you!

(It has been four years since I wrote this poem for Our Lady. How time swiftly flew by. I am glad that through all the ups and downs of life, I can claim to also be the child of the Theotokos! "I have gained a matchless prize, and thus I stand beneath the skies; the child of Mary.")

Lent to Easter with the Saints

A few years ago, I spent Lent (up to Easter) outside the Philippines; it was spring that time. I realized that just as Mother Nature renews herself in springtime, so are we also called as Catholic-Christians to start afresh,  to call to mind the passion and death of Jesus, to renew our baptismal promises each year, and with God's grace do our best to live lives that are pleasing to Him. (I just learned that Lent is from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring.") During Lent, we are called to die to ourselves, to "suffer with Jesus and be buried with Him that we too may be resurrected." We are called to spend the 40 days in prayer, penance and true conversion. Lent culminates in Holy Week, and then in the triumph of Jesus over death on Resurrection Sunday.

My journey from Lent to Easter this year has been full of surprises, blessings, and even struggles. But I am grateful for the Communion of Saints who have prayed for me, and have inspired me to persevere.

Saint Bernadette Soubirous on Patient Endurance of Sufferings

In France, Saint Bernadette's feast is celebrated on February 18, which incidentally was Ash Wednesday this year. Being a few days after the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, I spent that first day of Lent rereading about our Lady's apparitions at the cave-grotto at Massabielle. My visits in Lourdes, France had been special and Faith-enriching, and I reflected on that. I also watched again the movie Song of Bernadette, and for several days after, pondered on Mother Mary's words to the young saint from that quaint town that lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees: "I promise you happiness not in this world, but in the other."

After the apparitions in Lourdes, Saint Marie Bernarde joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers where as a nun she did humble and menial tasks in the convent, and worked as an assistant in an infirmary. She contracted tuberculosis of the bone, a pain said to be most excruciating, but which she bore with humility and total surrender, and which she offered to God as penance for sinners. She has willingly offered herself as a victim soul. I have been so inspired by her forbearance of suffering, and humility to carry one's cross with love and faith. 

Saint Paul tells the Romans, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Bringing Back Holiness in Halloween

Children at the March of Saints earlier at
the Santo Domingo Parish

I did not grow up getting dressed as a Disney princess to go knocking at doors to collect candies on All Hallows Eve. I have experienced trick-or-treating about twice, not as a child, but as a teenager; and have gone to several Halloween parties. 

The annual fright fest was not always part of the culture in the Philippines, at least as far as I remember my childhood. The current tech-savvy generation however is probably well acquainted now with the Sandman, Jack the Ripper, the Boogeyman, Jack-o-Lantern, and perhaps even the Grim Reaper. I wasn't when I was younger.

The contemporary celebration focuses too much on horror, violence and the culture of death. (and consumerism!) But it wasn't always so. It isn't what Allhallowtide is about.

All Saints' Eve is a precursor to the celebration of the solemnity of All Saints, which commemorates all the holy men and women enjoying the beatific vision in heaven. 

Saint Pedro Calungsod and
Saint Dominic de Guzman

Earlier today I participated in the March of Saints at the Santo Domingo Parish. I did not dress up as my favorite Saint, but I was there to show support to the parish in their effort to teach the faithful about why we celebrate Halloween. Rev. Fr. Ching Salibay, OP, the parish priest, said that it was the first time they have organized the activity, and hopes it becomes an annual affair. (It was my first time to witness one, too!)  

The aim of the activity was to make people aware that we do not celebrate ghosts, warlocks and the devils on this day, but remember in a special way the people who have gone before us~ the Church Triumphant. The saints and martyrs are our models of Faith and charity. We remember how they have lived and persevered in fighting the good fight till the end, and how by their good example we can draw inspiration from. It is not easy to be good; especially when beset with trials and temptations. Fr. Ching also said that we can look to the Saints for encouragement, because in them we find that the imperfect can become perfect. (Think of Saint Peter, Saint Paul. Saint Thomas, Saint Augustine and Saint Mary Magdalene, among many other awesome saints!)

(L-R) Saint Peter Verona, Blessed Margaret of Castello,
Saint Rose of Lima and Saint Therese of Lisieux
(Saint Joan of Arc is not in the picture)

There were 34 children who came dressed as saints. There was a procession around the neighboring streets of  Santo Domingo at around four in the afternoon, followed by a short program. The parents of the children expressed approval and appreciation for having an activity geared towards giving the little ones a catechism about the saints and heaven.

Five children were given recognition for being able to best portray their saints. They were all too happy to have received their prizes.  Everyone got candies and treats of course! Each child took home a bag full of goodies and gifts from generous donors.  One of the children said he looks forward to the March of Saints in 2015 and shall definitely take part in it again. 

I hope next year there will be less goblins, vampires, witches and devils come Halloween. As Christians, we should not be ashamed and afraid to express our Faith. It's about time we embrace Halloween as a festivity that will counter the Culture of Death. Through it, we can also share the Light of Christ and proclaim His victory over sin, death and the devil!

Of Rainbows, Cobblestones, and Saints

Everything passes... God alone suffices!
Saint Teresa's reminder on a wall at  Ávila

“Nada de turbe, 
nada te espante 
todo se pasa,
Dios no se muda, 
la paciencia todo lo alcanza, quien a Dios tiene nada le falta 
sólo Dios basta!” 
~Saint Teresa of Jesus

One of my most memorable pilgrimages was in 2011, on August 20th. I joined the Ministry of Youth Affairs of the Diocese of Cubao and was among the pilgrims to the XXVI World Youth Day held in Madrid, Spain. That Saturday morning was our "free time". The catechesis sessions and cultural programs ended the day before, and we were allowed to do as we pleased; but  of course we had to bear in mind that we were not there for pleasure. The only schedule ahead was the pilgrim walk to Cuatro Vientos for the vigil with the Pope, but it did not start until two in the afternoon. 

We opted to spend our morning at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Ávila, the walled town of Castilla y León. It was an hour and a half away from Madrid by train. On the way we were awed by the sites of the picturesque landscape, centuries-old stone ramparts, and views of turrets possibly of a medieval castle. It felt like a page from a fairy tale book coming alive before our eyes. 

Overlooking the charming town "outside the walls"

I did not have any expectations for that side-trip except that I wanted to learn more about Saint Teresa and her stunningly beautiful birthplace. But prior to that 3rd European sojourn, I came across a catechesis on the Doctors of the Church given by Pope Benedict XVI in one of his general audiences. The pope said that Saint Teresa lived on two principles: first, that everything in this world will one day pass away, and second, that God is eternal. Her poem Nada de Turbe sums it best: "Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices."

Solo Dios basta! God alone suffices. I pondered on these words and reflected on what very little knowledge I had about the life of Saint Teresa. I prayed for the grace to grow deeper in my relationship with God and go home with reinvigorated Faith. 

"Even the lowly sparrow finds a home for her brood,
and the swallow, a nest for herself
where she may lay her young..."

Saint Teresa Sanchez de Cepeda y Ahumada was born on March 28, 1515. She was raised by well-to-do, pious parents, and as a little girl learned to read pious books. She was however not immune to the lures of the world. She underwent a stage in her life when she became idle, vain, and cold in her devotion. She found herself not having pleasure in prayer, and was discouraged by periods of spiritual aridity. She confessed to being disobedient and ungrateful to God. Sincerely repenting after realizing her sins, she resolved to persevere in her zeal towards the path to virtue and perfection. She loved the Lord with all the strength of her heart until she attained the grace of  transverberation, or mystical union with God. Her incorruptible heart is preserved in a reliquary in a Carmelite convent in Alba de Tormes. She said she owed her conversion to Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is an inspiration we can all imitate in fighting the good fight till the end, with our eyes fixed on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of faith. 

Saint Teresa lived a life in evangelical poverty, detached from the possessions that the world offered her, and was concerned primarily with her personal relationship and friendship with the Lord, which she expressed in her service and unconditional love for the Church, the body of Christ. In her I find an example of someone who acknowledged her trust and total dependence on Divine Providence. She reminded me of the primacy of seeking first the kingdom of God over the pursuit of wealth, prestige and power. 

Plaza de Santa Teresa, and Gate Alcazar

It was overwhelming to be there, and I later realized it was a major turning point in my life. I was not prepared to hear what God wanted me to do next. I have been serving in Church ministries for several years and somehow, deep inside, I knew sooner or later God would uproot me and plant me in another soil where I can grow more and bear much fruit for His Kingdom. I was not just expecting it anytime sooner.

I had my own plans. I was pressuring myself to accomplish all that I had set in my timetable. I am not actually the success-driven type, but I had goals I wanted fulfilled soon! Prior to the trip, I was deliberating on whether I should go back to school, have a career change, or do something radical with my life. But the Lord had His way! With my consent of course. God, in His unfathomable and unconditional love for me, did not force me to agree with what He wanted for me. He allowed me to make my own choices, and waited patiently until I willingly embraced His plans for me. It was quite a long process of discernment, but I wouldn't want it any other way because of the invaluable lessons I learned.

We visited a museum that kept the reliquary of one of her fingers. Displayed there are some manuscripts, her rosary, a sole of her sandals, among other precious relics, including that of her friend and confessor, Saint John of the Cross. A few feet from the museum was the Baroque-style Convent of Saint Teresa, built on the site of her birthplace. I marveled at the magnificent sculptures and paintings inside. In great awe at the wondrous gifts from God who made everything I saw there possible, I spent time on my knees in prayer. Saint Teresa, through her writings, emphasized that we must persevere in prayer. "God withholds Himself from no one who perseveres. He will by little and little strengthen that soul, so that it may come forth victorious", she said. But other than the graces we receive, prayer is our means of communication with God. It is indeed a blessing to know that I shall never ever be alone because I have Jesus who is not only my Savior and King, but also my greatest Friend!

With some of the pilgrims from the Diocese of Cubao

As I explored the cobblestone streets of the quaint town where Saint Teresa once walked on, I expressed my fears and uncertainties to God. I knew that He always knows and understands my innermost being, my thoughts and my desires, more than I ever can. I felt so unworthy and told Him I didn't feel equipped. But God lovingly assured me that He is going to be in control. I only have to trust Him fully.

There are only two things, if I'd ever ask for a sign, that I request the Lord to give me should I need a reassurance : a shooting star or a rainbow. That day in Avila, as I begged God to guide me in the next steps I am going to take, I gazed towards the heavens in fervent supplication. Lo and behold, a rainbow! With tears of joy, all I could whisper to God was Thank You and I love You! 

I thanked Saint Teresa, who I knew interceded for me, too! I imagined her telling me, in her own words, "Trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Be content knowing you are a child of God."

I couldn't ask for anything more!

My Avila Rainbow
"My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky..."

La Naval de Manila 2014 : Reflections

Mary said to the angel, "How can this be..." 
"For nothing will be impossible with God," the archangel Gabriel said.
Mother Mary replied, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

I have read and heard this part of the account of the Annunciation by Saint Luke countless times, and yet today when it was read during the Mass celebrating the feast of Our Lady of La Naval de Manila, my eyes swelled with tears. God, through Mother Mary, never stops reassuring me that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. 

The La Naval Grand Procession earlier. 
Photo © http://www.mb.com.ph/

How can this be? Many times in my life, I would ask God this question. And it is often followed by "Why" and "How much longer, Lord?" 

Knowing God's will in our lives does not come easy; it had not been with me. I had to rethink my priorities. I had to leave my comfort zone and do my best not to look back with regret. I had to relearn a day at a time to be trusting and to be thankful. It is easier to say we trust God, but do we really? I say that all the time, too. To have deep faith and total trust in Him is all grace. I still falter every now and then, but I am thankful God has taken my hand and He walks with me every step of the way. In all honesty, it has taken almost my entire lifetime before I understood what God has called me to do. And I am grateful that God gave me an abundance of courage, strength and the grace of obedience to be able to give Him my yes.

The grand procession
Photo credits: Marc Henrich Go

But it had been very simple with the Blessed Virgin Mary. When she asked, "How can this be?", she was not even for an ounce doubting Saint Gabriel's astonishing news. She looked at her situation: a virgin betrothed to Saint Joseph who had to stay chaste until her marriage, but was told that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God. When told of God's wonderful plans, her response was one of unwavering faith and total abandonment to the will of the Almighty Father. Reflecting on her words now, I realized she was merely revealing the plight of humankind: that without God, the impossible shall remain just that, impossible.  

Often I would feel constricted and can only do so much in this world where I live. Many times I'd feel so discouraged and unworthy, and the feeling worsens when the very people I expect would support me are the very ones who push me down. Oh my hope that is in Christ alone! Without God, I am definitely going to lose my sanity and won't stand a chance of surviving in this valley of tears.

But today Saint Gabriel reminded me, "For nothing will be impossible with God!" I prayed as I took in every single word, as if the archangel were actually telling them to me, and asked for the grace to believe him with the same faith as Mother Mary had. 

God constantly reassures me of His unconditional, unfathomable love. He has been merciful and his generosity is definitely unrivaled! He has shown me many miracles, both small and grand. My very life and existence is  a miracle! But the past few months felt like living in the dark nights of the soul. I see the Holy Spirit always at work in my life, but I struggled to keep the faith and to believe that God shall work exceedingly beyond my expectations. 

Photo credits: Mao Almadrones 

How can it be? It is so much easier to stop believing that what God has promised me shall ever come to pass. But I choose to surrender to the will of God and let His hands work in my life. He promised to surprise me with the very best anyway! Thank God for the gift of wisdom that made me see from His point of view!

For as long as I am living, my life shall have its challenges. I will still have to face the uncertainties of every tomorrow. But when push comes to shove, I am confident that I shall never be alone. Jesus gave me His Mother to be my Sweetest Mother, too ~ she who knows my every smile and sigh, all my wishes and dreams. She goes to her Son on my behalf even before I ask her, like she did at the Wedding at Cana.

I suddenly recalled a conversation I had with one of my English professors in university who told me that he prays I become what the Madonna and Her Child want me to be. And I also remembered a story I was told that at the very last moment, my father named me Madonna instead of another name he and my mother wanted for me.

In God's grand plans, there are no coincidences! As I knelt in prayer before the holy image of Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila, I asked the Lord Jesus to grant me the grace to be deserving of the name of His mother. I prayed for the grace to be able to always tell God, "Ecce ancilla Domini; Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum." Behold the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word!

Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, La Naval de Manila Enthronement 2014

 At Your right hand stands the Queen in gold from Ophir. ~Psalm 45: 9

The enthronement of the image of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of La Naval de Manila was truly fit for the Mother of the King of Kings!

October 02, 2014 ~ The enthronement rites of Our Lady of La Naval marked the beginning of the celebration of her feast,  which culminates with a grand procession and Mass on the second Sunday of October. (On the 12^th this year). Novena and Masses in her honor begin today, October 03 until October 11, 2014.

In the history of the Church, victory has been credited to Our Lady’s powerful intercession through the Holy Rosary during the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, defeating the Muslim Turks that threatened Christian Europe. 

In our country, we thank God for the victory of the heavily outnumbered Spanish and Filipino troops (who took Our Lady of the Rosary as their patroness)  against the Dutch forces during the Battles of La Naval de Manila : five naval battles fought in the Philippines in 1646. Spanish and Filipino soldiers sought Mother Mary's intercession before each of the battles, and vowed to make a pilgrimage to the church barefoot and hold a day of thanksgiving should they emerge triumphant. The Cathedral Chapter of the Archdiocese of Manila declared the victory of the battles of 1646 as miraculous, on April 09, 1652.

Procession of the 16th-century ivory and wood statue of
Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila
inside the Santo Domingo Parish in Quezon City
Photos © Mao Joseph M. Almadrones

The Blessed Virgin Mary’s royal title as Queen of Heaven and Earth is based upon the institution of the Gebirah (the “Queen Mother”) in the Kingdom of Judah. The title and the office was bestowed upon mothers of the kings of Israel in the line of King David. Scholars believe that Queen Mothers of the ruling house of King David had the role of being intercessor to the king; she was present in the religious and state functions of the kingdom, and was the advocate of the people.

“Then Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah, and the king stood up to meet her and paid her homage. Then he sat down upon his throne, and a throne was provided for the king’s mother, who sat at his right. She said, ‘There is one small favor I would ask of you. Do not refuse me.’ The king said to her, ‘Ask it, my mother, for I will not refuse you.’” (1Kings 2:19-20)

Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila
during the enthronement rites
Photos © Mao Joseph M. Almadrones

Mother Mary is the Gebirah of the eternal Davidic Kingdom of her Son Jesus Christ. 

And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.  The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1: 28-33)

Our Lady was enthroned before the Mass on October 02, 2014.
Photos © Mao Joseph M. Almadrones

As we look to the Blessed Virgin Mary, a simple laywoman and mother, and the Mother of the Laity, may we always remember that she only wants to lead us to Jesus her Son, the Word made flesh Who dwells among us. As she advised the servants at the Wedding at Cana, may all of us, devotees of Our dear Lady of La Naval de Manila, follow her words : “Do whatever He tells you.”

Photo from La Naval de Manila's official Facebook page

Celebrate the Year of the Laity! Celebrate La Naval de Manila 2014! 

Novena and Masses in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary begin today, October 05, 2014. The theme for this year is "MARIA, INANG LAYKO, INA NG LAYKO!"

Here are the Novena prayers to Our Lady of the Rosary, La Naval de Manila. Follow them on facebook and twitter for other updates.

Saint Joseph: Advocate Of The Family For Whom The Lily Blossomed

Today, the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Guardian of the Redeemer. 

We know Saint Joseph not only as the foster father of Jesus, but also as the epitome of a perfect husband, and as our "model worker". He is known to be a "tekton" ((τέκτων). The word has been traditionally translated into English as "carpenter", but is a rather general word (from the same root that gives us "technical" and "technology") that could cover makers of objects in various materials, even builders.²

We have never read anything in the Bible about Saint Joseph ever uttering even a single word. His silence tells a lot about his humility and total surrender to the will of God. We know him only through the Gospel accounts, particularly in Saint Matthew and Saint Luke.

Saint Joseph was instructed in his dreams, before and after the birth and early years of Jesus. We have heard of the story when he was told to take the Virgin Mary as his wife (Mt. 1:20-21); when he had to take his family and flee to Egypt during the massacre of the Holy Innocents (Mt 2:13); and when it was already safe to bring his family back to Israel (Mt 2:19). After the finding of Jesus at the temple, the Bible became silent about him. Tradition holds that during the years of Jesus' ministry, Mary was already a widow. We are all too familiar with the pictures and statues of Saint Joseph holding the Baby Jesus in his arms.

But have you ever wondered why Saint Joseph is holding a lily as well? The Lilium candidum, known also as the Madonna lily, is one of the symbols of our Lady. Song of Songs 2:1 says, "I am the Rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys."

Saint Joseph holding a lily reminds us that his spouse was the spotless Virgin Mary. There is also an interesting story about how Saint Joseph was chosen as the spouse of the Mother of Christ.

When the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was serving in the Temple of the Lord, reached twelve years old, a council of the priests was held. The priests asked among themselves, "What then shall we do with her, lest perchance she defile the sanctuary of the Lord?" And they said to the high priest" "You stand by the altar of the Lord; go in, and pray concerning her; and whatever the Lord shall manifest unto you, that also we will do." And the high priest went in, taking the robe with the twelve bells into the holy of holies; and he prayed concerning her. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him, saying unto him: "Zacharias, Zacharias, go out and assemble the widowers of the people, and let them bring each his rod; and to whomsoever the Lord show a sign, his wife shall she be." 

The heralds went out through the circuit of Judea, and the trumpet of the Lord sounded, and all ran. And Joseph, throwing away his axe, went out to meet them; and when they had assembled, they went away to the high priest, taking with them their rods. And he, taking the rods of all of them, entered into the temple, and prayed; and having ended his prayer, he took the rods and came out, and gave them to them: but there was no sign in them. Joseph took his rod last; and behold, a dove came out of the rod, and flew upon Joseph's head. (In another account, Saint Joseph's rod alone bursted into lilies, thus identifying him as Divinely chosen). The priest said to Joseph, "You have been chosen by lot to take into your keeping the virgin of the Lord." And so "Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his wife". (Mt 124)²

In the Apostolic Exhortation "Redemptoris Custos" (Guardian of the Redeemer), Saint John Paul II said that "the Son of Mary is also Joseph's Son by virtue of the marriage bond that unites them. Joseph and Mary are the summit from which holiness spreads all over the earth. The Savior began the work of salvation by this virginal and holy union, wherein is manifested his all-powerful will to purify and sanctify the family ~ that sanctuary of love and cradle of life.” ³

Saint John Paul II "positions Saint Joseph as breaking the old vice of paternal familial domination, and suggests him as the model of a loving father. He stressed that the Church has implored the protection of Saint Joseph on the basis of 'that sacred bond of charity which united him to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God,' and that the Church has commended to Joseph all of her cares, including those dangers which threaten the human family.” ³

Saint Joseph, with his example of simplicity, shows us the "mature way of serving and of taking part in the plan of salvation." His life teaches us that in our own lives, the obedience of Faith is necessary when we commit ourselves to the will of God. He could have really just sent the Virgin Mary away quietly. He could have said no to God, but he didn't. Instead, he dedicated his life for the protection of his wife and "his son" and ensured that they were well taken care of. His love and faithfulness to Jesus and Mary, and his generosity and dedication for the welfare of his family, is an example all husbands and fathers must desire to imitate. Although we know little about Saint Joseph, he has demonstrated how to live a life of faithfulness, patience, persistence, and hard work ~ admirable qualities which all Christians should adopt. 


In catechism, we learned that the family is the domestic church (Ecclesia domestica). Jesus, Mother Mary and Saint Joseph teaches us that we have to make a total gift of self, life and work for the good of the entire family; and to humbly serve each other in pure agape love. The love and unity of Mary and Joseph in their married life must be a reflection of  God's love for humanity; and the Love of Jesus for His bride the Church: a love that desires only the good of the other; a love willing to lay down one's life for the  beloved... 

The family ~ our families, must mirror Holy Trinitarian Love: the Father and the son united as One with the Spirit Who is Love. "The role of the family is specified by Love. It is the family's mission to guard, reveal and communicate love.” ³

Saint Joseph was declared to be the patron saint and protector of the Catholic Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870. Pope John XXIII added the name of Joseph to the Canon of the Mass. On May 01, 2013, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments under the authority of Pope Francis added Saint Joseph's name to the main Eucharistic Prayers of the Mass.⁴

He is the patron saint of a number of cities, regions and countries, among them the Americas, Canada, China, Mexico, Korea, Austria, Belgium, Peru, Vietnam and the Philippines; as well as of families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers, and working people in general. Having died in the "arms of Jesus and Mary" according to Catholic Tradition, he is considered the model of the pious believer who receives grace at the moment of death.

The 19 March Feast is a Solemnity (First class if using the Tridentine calendar), and is transferred to another date if impeded. (If 19March falls on a Sunday or in Holy Week, The feast of Saint Joseph as patron and model of workers is celebrated on May 01.)

Memorare of Saint Joseph:

Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.

---------------------

For further reading, you can check out the following:

¹ Saint Joseph: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Joseph

² The Birth of Mary Mother of Jesus: http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0847.htm)

³ REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS 
by Saint John Paul II on the Person & Mission of St. Joseph: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_15081989_redemptoris-custos_en.html

⁴ Decree Regarding the Mention of Saint Joseph’s name in the Eucharistic Prayers:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccdds/documents/rc_con_ccdds_doc_20130501_san-giuseppe_en.html

        For Novena prayers to Saint Joseph:

       1.    http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/novena/joseph.htm

       2.    http://stjoe4u2.tripod.com/id5.html

       3.    https://www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=3167