The Patron of Confidence

Clang, clang! The platform bell announced that a train was about to leave the station on that 19^th of March.

The sun was rising as the passengers shuffled in. Among the first to board was Peter, a young man of about 20. He chose a window seat in order to admire the landscape.

Clang, clang, clang! It was the last call; the train was gathering steam…

A man dressed in a black cassock walked down the aisle toward Peter. He had seen an empty spot beside the youth and asked him if he could take a seat beside him. In a moment Peter was on his feet offering the priest his own spot, and soon a friendly conversation was underway.

— What a beautiful morning! It suits the liturgical solemnity very well indeed! Do you know which Saint we celebrate today, my son?

— Oh, yes, Father! – replied Peter with heartfelt emotion – I have unlimited gratitude toward St. Joseph.

— Is that so? Could you tell why?

The young man said it was a long story, but if the priest was interested, he would be happy to tell him all the details…

*     *     *

The tale began in his hometown, where two decades previously, the bells of the St. Lucy’s Church rang out as a child came into this world. The fact that the baby’s birth coincided with the pealing of the church bells gladdened his parents, Joseph and Anna, who had long desired a child. They soon had him baptized and gave him the name Peter.

Less than a year later, however, sorrow visited the family. Joseph died, leaving a young widow. Anna, alone in the world, was left as the child’s sole caregiver.

The good mother was soon immersed in work: She raised fruits and vegetables in her little garden to sell at the market, and by candlelight, she mended clothing, earning just enough to get by.

When provisions were particularly scarce, she would kneel and pray with redoubled fervour. Her unbounded trust was rewarded with true miracles: the pantry never seemed to run out, little gifts were left at the doorstep by unknown friends and there were offers of work when she most needed it.

One day, when the good mother and her young son were eating their bread, made from the last measure of flour, they heard a knock at the door.

Anna turned the latch and found a distinguished man standing there, with a noble air that seemed otherworldly. She blinked in the radiance that shone from him.

Little Peter, who was still learning to walk, toddled to the door, delighted with the visitor. The man smiled a fatherly smile and stooped to pick him up. The child stroked the visitor’s magnificent beard, and the man beamed his pleasure at the innocent little boy. After a few moments he handed the little boy back to its mother, and gave her a small purse containing some coins. His radiance grew in intensity, almost blinding them with its rays. When it subsided, the man was no longer there…

Similar visits were repeated on a variety of occasions, always when their need was greatest. The last took place when Peter turned twelve. After that, even though they no longer saw him, mother and son felt that he still accompanied them on life’s journey, encouraging them in a discreet but very real way.

As a lad, Peter started to help his mother with her many chores. Yet, despite his efforts, times were hard. One morning Anna awoke feeling poorly and was soon diagnosed with a serious illness. She lacked the strength to work, and she needed to take costly medicine. Peter was very worried, and immediately remembered the kind man who had always helped them. Where could he be found?

Whichever way he considered the problem there was not a moment to lose… He had to set out for the capital in order to find work to pay for his mother’s treatment.

Peter departed with a heavy heart. When he arrived in the city, he headed for an address that an acquaintance had given. It was the stately residence of a wealthy Catholic family. He rang the doorbell and was greeted by the butler who ushered him into the parlour and asked him to wait a moment. In an attempt to dispel his worries, the youth distracted himself by examining his surroundings. The room was tastefully decorated, with fine furniture, vases, a beautiful statue of Our Lady and… he started in amazement!

— There is the man! – he exclaimed, as his glance fell on a portrait on the wall.

A servant heard the exclamation and peered into the room. The youth was shedding tears of deep emotion. When she stepped in, Peter asked her who the man in the painting was.

— Why, that’s St. Joseph, the spouse of Mary, she responded, with a touch of surprise.

What consolation Peter felt! He thanked her, said farewell, and set out with a light step. Now he could only think of telling his mother what had happened, for he considered it to be a sign that Heaven would help them!

On the train, he could hardly wait to make it back. As he reached home his heart started to pound. He ran to Anna’s room, turned the doorknob, and started to speak:

— Mother…

But she was not alone… seated at her bedside, was the Holy Man, administering a mysterious remedy to her.

Noticing the boy’s presence, the visitor turned to look at him. When their eyes met, Peter threw himself into his arms like a little child. St. Joseph embraced him warmly, giving vent to his love that had lain silent for years, and said to him with great kindness:

— My son, I have looked forward to this moment for a long time. You and your mother have experienced many perplexities, just as I did. My life upon this earth was filled with affliction, apparent failure and contradiction. However, I always trusted, and it was this confidence that enabled me to sustain the Holy Family. In your life, you will yet undergo difficult situations. In trying times, remember to throw yourself into my arms just as you did when you were a child, and in this way, you will walk in the company of my Most Holy Spouse and my Divine Son.

*     *     *

The shrill train whistle brought the exciting narrative to an end. The priest roused himself from his meditative reverie, as Peter wrapped up his story simply:

— So, that’s how I became devoted to St. Joseph.

The train had reached its destination! ◊