# Nine days to Joseph: Day one
*2020-03-09*

> Bill Young introduces a nine-day preparation for consecration to St. Joseph, based on the writings of Father Michael Gately, M.M.

## An Introduction to the Consecration

Today we are starting our first consecration prayer for 2020, dedicated to St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. This preparation is based on the work of Father Michael Gately, a Marian priest known for his books on consecration, including '33 Days in the Morning Glory' and '33 Days in Merciful Love.' This specific consecration to St. Joseph first appeared as an appendix to his book 'Meet Your Spiritual Father' and is also included in his newer work, '33 Days to Greater Glory.'

## The Power of Entrustment

Father Gately shares a personal testimony about the power of this devotion. While serving as the director of the Association of Marian Helpers—a role he jokingly referred to as being 'Father Joseph'—he found himself feeling broken down and burnt out. With no one available to help him, he decided to entrust everything—himself, his staff, and his office—into the hands of St. Joseph. Following this act of entrustment, he witnessed a dramatic growth in their evangelization works, bringing the message of God's mercy to millions. Because St. Joseph was a man of few words, this preparation is designed to be brief and heartfelt.

## How the Preparation Works

The process is simple: you pray a specific prayer to St. Joseph from the heart each day for nine days. On the tenth day, you pray the prayer of consecration. While you can begin this at any time, it is recommended to time it so the consecration falls on a feast day of St. Joseph (such as March 19th or May 1st), a Marian feast, or any Wednesday, as Wednesdays are traditionally dedicated to St. Joseph. It is also suggested to handwrite and date your consecration and renew it annually. This serves as a perfect complement to a Marian consecration.

## Day One: St. Joseph, Powerful Intercessor

On this first day, we recognize St. Joseph as the most powerful intercessor before God after Mary. We entrust ourselves to his fatherly care, not just for a single intention, but for all our needs and cares. We give him permission to care for us as his children, trusting that he will guide and protect us with the same love and tenderness he showed to Jesus.

Furthermore, we ask St. Joseph to speak to Mary on our behalf. Just as he is the dearest person in Mary's heart after Jesus, we ask him to help us realize the gift we have in our spiritual mother and to help us love her more deeply.

*By totally entrusting our lives to the fatherly care of St. Joseph, we find a powerful intercessor who leads us closer to both Mary and Jesus.*