he happiness of Jesus and Mary
attending at his death, praying by him, assisting and comforting him in
his last moments. Whence he is particularly invoked for the great grace
of a happy death, and the spiritual presence of Jesus in that tremendous
hour. The church reads the history of the patriarch Joseph on his
festival, who was styled the saviour of Egypt, which he delivered from
perishing by famine; and was appointed the faithful master of the
household of Potiphar, and of that of Pharaoh and his kingdom. But our
great saint was chosen by God the saviour of the life of him who was the
true Saviour of the souls of men, rescuing him from the tyranny of
Herod. He is now glorified in heaven, as the guardian and keeper of his
Lord on earth. As Pharaoh said to the Egyptians in their distress: "Go
to Joseph;" so may we confidently address ourselves to the mediation of
him to whom God, made man, was subject and obedient on earth.

The devout Gerson expressed the warmest devotion to St. Joseph, which he
endeavored by letters and sermons to promote. He composed an office in
his honor, and wrote his life in twelve poems, called Josephina. He
enlarged on all the circumstances of his life by pious affection, and
meditations. St. Teresa chose him the chief patron of her order. In the
sixth chapter of her life she writes thus: "I chose the glorious St.
Joseph for my patron, and I commend myself in all things singularly to
his intercession. I do not remember ever to have asked of God any thing
by him which I did not obtain. I never knew any one, who, by invoking
him, did not advance exceedingly in virtue: for he assists in a
wonderful manner all who address themselves to him." St. Francis of
Sales, throughout his whole nineteenth entertainment, extremely
recommends devotion to him, and extols his merits, principally his
virginity, humility, constancy, and courage. The Syrians and other
eastern churches celebrate his festival on the 20th of July; the western
church, on the 19th of March. Pope Gregory XV., in 1621, and Urban
VIII., in 1642, commanded it to be kept a holyday of obligation.

The holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, presents to us the most
perfect model of heavenly conversation on earth. How did those two
seraphims, Mary and Joseph, live in their poor cottage! They always
enjoyed {624} the presence of Jesus, always burning with the most ardent
love for him: inviolably attached to his sacred person, always employed
an