For those of you not familiar with the tradition of burying St. Joseph (the patron saint of the family and household needs), it started when Sister Teresa of Avila (now known as Saint Teresa) and her fellow nuns started burying St. Joseph medals in ground they wanted to attain for their convents. The practice has in more recent times evolved into the tradition of burying a St. Joseph statue which, with a few moments of prayer, is called upon to help sell property. So, we buried the statue in the yard tonight with all the requisite pomp and circumstance, plus our own special touch for good measure.
First, we dug a hole near the for sale sign in your yard.
Next, we placed the statue of St. Joe in the hole according to the directions: head first, feet toward heaven, facing the direction of the street. The directions didn't mention this part, but we decided to toss in our own special offerings to St. Joe. Ev gave him a cookie, in case he got hungry, and I poured in a little of the gin & tonic I was enjoying at the time, in case he got thirsty. Can you see the ice cubes down there?
Before covering the statue, we said the following suggested prayer: "Remember, O most chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession was left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power, I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not, O foster-father of the Redeemer, my humble supplication, but in your bounty hear and answer me. Amen."
Then we carefully covered him up, sprinkled him with a little water to help the grass grow back, and went about our business.
After the house sells and escrow closes, we'll dig up St. Joseph and give him a place of honor in our new home.
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