Last November I visited Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The capital city of New Mexico is also home to several other worthwhile Catholic sites - the oldest shrine to our Lady of Guadalupe in the United States as well as San Miguel, the oldest Church structure in the United States.
Just blocks away from these sites is the home of the miraculous staircase. Pay just a few dollars to visit this chapel and marvel at something more than an architectural marvel - it was a miracle.
The Loretto Chapel website shares the story:
Legend says that to find a solution to the seating problem, the Sisters of the Chapel made a novena to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. On the ninth and final day of prayer, a man appeared at the Chapel with a donkey and a toolbox looking for work. Months later, the elegant circular staircase was completed, and the carpenter disappeared without pay or thanks. After searching for the man (an ad even ran in the local newspaper) and finding no trace of him, some concluded that he was St. Joseph himself, having come in answer to the sisters' prayers.Prayer to St. Joseph:
Oh St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen
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