It was March 18, 1888. A priest was traveling by train from Mainz to Cologne when, as the train passed through Bonn, he noticed that the man sitting beside him crossed himself, joined his hands, and began to pray.
“Tomorrow is the feast of Saint Joseph! Perhaps he is your patron saint,” said the priest.
“No, sir, but my wife’s name is Josephine... and I would like to be with her tomorrow. I have another reason, however, to give thanks; and if you are interested, I will tell you my story, for a priest will understand it.”
“Certainly.”
“When I was a boy, my good mother gave me a pious upbringing. Unfortunately, my mother died when I was still very young; my father took no interest in my religious education, and I soon abandoned all religious practices. Later, I met an excellent young woman and, wishing to make her my wife, pretended to possess religious sentiments that I did not have. After we married, she nearly died of grief when I opened my heart to her and began mocking her devotions. Five years ago, on the feast day of her patron saint, I gave her an expensive present, but she said to me, almost hesitantly:
‘There is another gift that would make me happier...’
‘What is it?’
‘Your soul, dear,’ she replied through her sobs.
‘Ask me for anything you wish, and I will do it.’
‘Come with me tomorrow, on the feast of Saint Joseph, to the church of N. N. There will be a sermon and a blessing.’
‘If that is all, dry your tears, for I will accompany you.’
The church was packed. The preacher was very young, and at first I remained cold and indifferent. Nevertheless, he said something that struck me: ‘No one has ever invoked the protection of Saint Joseph without experiencing his help. Have firm confidence that he will come to the aid of anyone who invokes him in a moment of danger, even if that person is a sinner or even an unbeliever.’
As we left the church, my wife said to me:
‘My dear, you will often be in danger during your travels. Promise me that, should such a moment come, you will say this brief prayer: “Saint Joseph, pray to your divine Son for me.”’
‘I will do so; it is not difficult.’
A short time later, I was traveling through this very place where we are now. There were seven of us in the compartment. Suddenly, a warning whistle sounded, and a tremendous collision hurled us through the air. I had time to say nothing more than, ‘Saint Joseph, help me!’ It all happened in an instant. When I came to my senses, I saw my fellow passengers horribly mangled and dead. I had suffered only minor bruises. From that day onward, I resumed my religious practices and have always repeated with great confidence: ‘Saint Joseph, come to my aid!’
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