The book, The Month of St. Joseph, presents daily considerations for the month of March in the form of meditations and practical examples. The example for today is as follows.
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EXAMPLE
In a parish of the Diocese of Grenoble, there lived a widow, who, though poor, endeavored to bring up her children in the practice of virtue; but her eldest son sadly disappointed her hopes, for being sent to Paris to finish his apprenticeship he led a wild life, and after some years returned home in shattered health.
Like another St. Monica, his poor mother ceased not to weep and pray for the conversion of her prodigal son. It was her custom to celebrate the Month of St. Joseph every year together with her children, and this year they prayed with redoubled fervor in order to obtain his conversion.
On the opening day of the month the young man entered the room where they were assembled, and asked the meaning of the little altar that had been erected. His mother replied that they were commencing the devotions of the Month of St. Joseph, and, she added, we are going to make it to obtain your conversion. The young man laughed, not only at the preparations for keeping the month, but at the intention for which it was to be offered.
The next, and succeeding days, he returned at the same hour, laughing as usual at the piety of the little group; but after a few days he ceased to laugh, and appeared grave and thoughtful; he even listened to the chapter that was being read, and made the sign of the cross. The day after he returned, and was heard to ejaculate, “St. Joseph, have mercy on me,” then turning to his mother, he said, “How unfortunate it is that I should have given up religion, and how happy you must be who practice it so well. I am resolved to change my life, and live like a Christian; and I trust St. Joseph, to whom you have prayed, will obtain grace and courage for me.”
Obeying the voice of God he approached the tribunal of confession, and received Communion with great devotion. After leading an exemplary life for some years he fell dangerously ill, and fortified by the last Sacraments his soul passed from this world to chant the mercies of God and the power of St. Joseph, for ever in heaven.
Let us also pray with confidence to this great Saint during this month, and he will obtain abundant graces for us.
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This anecdote comes from the Month of St. Joseph by Abbé Berlioux, originally published in English in the year 1887. This book contains meditations and an example story for each day of the month. In an effort to preserve short inspiring stories from our Catholic past, every day for the month of March you can find the example story for the day published on the website under people/stories.
The same author also published similar books for the months of, May (Our Lady), June (Sacred Heart), and November (Holy Souls). We are planning to post the stories for these months in the future and are working with Mediatrix Press to re-publish these as a four book collection, so be sure to check back. The Month of St. Joseph is available now.