# Day Two of Nine Days to Saint Joseph: Loving Spouse of Mary
*2020-03-10*

> Bill reflects on Saint Joseph’s example of faith, shares personal experiences of mysterious lights, and leads a Chaplet of Divine Mercy while encouraging listeners to deepen their devotion to Mary and Joseph during the pandemic.

## Opening Prayer to Saint Joseph

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Wednesday, March 11, and we continue our Nine Days to Saint Joseph with Day Two: Saint Joseph, loving spouse of Mary. 

Dear Saint Joseph, the angel told you, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife” (Matthew 1:20). You trusted God without hesitation, becoming the true husband of Mary and the guardian of the Holy Family. As my spiritual father, I ask you to intercede for me before Mary. Adopt me as your spiritual child, that I may love my spiritual mother, Mary, even more. By your powerful prayers, help me appreciate the gift of Mary in my life and to consecrate myself to you, her faithful protector.

## A Personal Encounter with Light

A few weeks ago, after attending the 6 p.m. Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe in Plantation, Florida, I noticed a strange blue light to the east while driving home. At first I thought it was an advertising beam, but the light formed a faint image that resembled Mary. A week later, on the way back from the same church, I saw a red light in the same direction. This time the light seemed to hover above the clouds, forming a small image that could have been Jesus. When I pulled over to photograph it, the image vanished.

Most recently, while at work discussing the coronavirus, a beautiful rainbow appeared, reminding me of God’s promise after the Flood. These signs reassure me that, even in crisis, Jesus, Mary, and the angels are with us, urging us to turn to Saint Joseph for strength.

## Faith in Times of Pandemic

I have struggled with whether to attend Mass in person, given my age, diabetes, and public‑health guidelines. The pandemic has taken away many of the sacraments we take for granted—Mass, Communion, Confession, Adoration—making us realize how precious they are. Saint Joseph’s blind faith, walking to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus, inspires me to trust God’s providence even when the path is uncertain.

I encourage you to join the Nine Days to Saint Joseph, read Father Michael Gately’s *The Third of Three Days of Greater Glory*, and consider a 33‑day consecration beginning on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). This will lead us to Divine Mercy Sunday on April 19, which also marks my wedding anniversary.

## Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Let us pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy together.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Eternal God, whose mercy knows no bounds, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we may not despair but submit ourselves with confidence to your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven… (the Lord’s Prayer).

Hail Mary, full of grace… (the Hail Mary).

The Apostles’ Creed.

[Repeated invocations of the Divine Mercy prayer for the suffering of the world, as in the traditional chaplet.]

## Invitation to Return to the Church

If you have drifted away from the Church, know that the Lord longs for your return. Like the Prodigal Son, He will welcome you with a great celebration in heaven. In these tense times, prayer is our most powerful weapon. Let us pray for Italy, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia, and every nation afflicted by illness.

May God bless you all. I look forward to returning tomorrow for Day Three of our devotion to Saint Joseph.

*Saint Joseph’s fearless trust in God invites us to deepen our love for Mary and to rely on divine mercy, especially in uncertain times.*