# Day 4 of Nine Days to Saint Joseph: The Strong Guardian
*2020-03-12*

> Bill Young reflects on the current pandemic, the importance of the sacraments, and leads the fourth day of his Nine‑Days‑to‑Joseph devotion with a prayer to Saint Joseph as our protector.

## A World in Crisis

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is Friday, March 12, 2020, and the coronavirus is affecting Italy, Europe, China, and the United States. As a former government analyst I keep asking whether these events are good or bad for God. I’m convinced the pandemic is not a weapon of the angels of death but a trial allowed by God, and we must respond with prayer, the sacraments, and trust in His providence.

## Why the Sacraments Matter

Even in difficult times we need the sacraments—Mass, the Eucharist, confession, adoration—because they are the gifts Christ gave us. When churches close, we may lose access to the Body and Blood of Christ, which is a real loss for the faithful. I recently attended St. Max’s where both the Body and Blood were offered, and I felt that such moments may become rare for a while. This reminds us that personal devotion must be accompanied by participation in the Church’s sacramental life.

## A Tragic Story and a Call to Faith

I want to share a sad story about a former coworker, a single mother whose husband was stationed overseas. Her teenage daughter was devastated by the prospect of returning to live with her father, and tragically both mother and daughter took their own lives. This loss underscores how essential the sacraments are for those who think a personal relationship with God is enough. We all need the grace of communion, confession, and adoration.

## Book Recommendation: Spiritual Warfare by Dan Burke

Dan Burke, head of news at EWTN, has written a book called *Spiritual Warfare* that helped me see the battle between good and evil more clearly. One chapter quotes John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled.” The book encourages us to trust that Jesus is with us and to resist fear.

## Day 4 of the Nine‑Days‑to‑Joseph Devotion

We now begin the fourth day of our consecration to Saint Joseph, the strong guardian of the Holy Family. Here is the prayer for today:

“Dear Saint Joseph, you are the spiritual father of the Holy Family and the terror of demons. Protect me from all evil, seen and unseen. Grant me the peace that comes from trusting in your fatherly care. Help me not to give in to fear, knowing you intercede for me. Strong guardian, defend me with your prayers.”

After the prayer we continue with the Divine Mercy Chaplet and a brief novena.

## Closing Prayer

Eternal Father, source of all mercy, pour out your compassion upon us. May we never despair, but always trust in your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen.

*Even in a pandemic, the sacraments and Saint Joseph’s intercession keep us anchored in God’s peace.*