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Be prepared to be amazed!
THE MIRACULOUS STAIRCASE OF
ST. JOSEPH!

You are listening to "Anima Christi", by Paul Lisney

In 1852, seven Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross left their Kentucky Motherhouse for the southwest's Land of Enchantment. Never did they dream that their rugged trip across the country would be so full of struggles.
The seven missionaries travelled up the Mississippi River to Independence, Missouri by boat. One sister could not go any further because of her health, and returned to the Kentucky Motherhouse. The others journeyed on with horses and a covered wagon.

As the nuns reached the Plains of Kansas, they settled down for the night, hoping to rest from their exhausting adventures. That evening, a band of Indians on horse-back surrounded the small camp and rode, furiously, in a circular formation, frightening the six sisters half-to-death. For some unknown reason, the Indians did not harm the nuns. The mounted Indians rode-off, leaving the sisters in peace - most certainly whispering prayers of Thanksgiving.

On that same evening, (the records from the convent-archives states that) one of the sisters died. This beloved member of the Sisters of Loretto was buried in Kansas by her companions, in an unmarked grave. The sisters did not want her remains to be desecrated.

After several months of travelling, the five sisters reached the City of Holy Faith, and immediately found a home in the center of town. Santa Fe, New Mexico, in those years, was a very small village inhabited mostly by Indians and Mexicans. At the invitation of the newly consecrated Archbishop Lamy, (the first bishop of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe), the Sisters of Loretto settled in New Mexico, opening their first academy for girls in 1853.

For twenty years the sisters educated their pupils in an elegant convent-structure, and in 1873, the Archbishop suggested that a chapel be added. It was to be a small replica of the "Sainte-Chapelle" in Paris.

Nearly five years passed before "Our Lady of Light" chapel was completed. And only then was it brought to the attention of the Mother Superior that an error had been made in the design of the chapel's choir loft.

The small chapel stands 25 feet by 75 feet, and reaches 85 feet in height. The high altar, statuary, stations of the cross, stained glass windows and pews all arrived from Europe. They were proudly put into place, but the beautiful choir loft was left unattached. The architect, P. Mouly, neglected to place a staircase in his design. He had planned to connect the loft with the second story of the convent-school, using an outdoor hallway. This was never accomplished.

The superior, Mother Magdalene, worried that a conventional staircase would take up an entire side of the small chapel. There were two other possibilities: using a ladder as a means of getting the chanters up-and- down from the loft, or, to start a novena to St. Joseph the carpenter, asking for a "heavenly" solution to an earthly problem.

On the last day of the novena, a gray-haired man on a donkey appeared at the convent with a chest full of tools. He asked to speak with the Mother Superior. He offered to build the sisters a staircase, but required one thing in return. The superior, who was properly introduced, was never to disclose the name of the craftsman. Mother Magdalene ordered her nuns not to speak with the gentleman, and, under no circumstances, was he to be bothered. The superior swore herself to secrecy, and even upon her deathbed, refused to divulge the man's identity.

Building the staircase was an effortless job, quickly accomplished. The sisters who anxiously watched the carpenter, reported that he used only a saw, a T-square and a hammer. They all observed (from a distance) the quiet man placing pieces of wood into large tubs of hot water.

The carpenter worked continuously, and when he had completed his chore, he went to report his accomplishments to Mother Magdalene. With great enthusiasm, Mother rounded up all her sisters, and they gathered in the chapel to inspect their new marvel. In the excitement, the carpenter disappeared. He never sent a bill.

Immediately stories began to circulate around the quaint village of Santa Fe, that Saint Joseph himself had come to the Loretto Academy to build the miraculous staircase for the sisters, and left before they could thank him. Visitors came from many states to view the spiral wonder.

Architects, carpenters, and disbelievers all wondered exactly who the craftsman was, and where he'd purchased his materials. Every lumber yard in New Mexico was approached and questioned, but to this day no one has ever come up with an invoice. No one ever found the name of the genius who built the steps to the loft. The many searchers did agree on one thing; the wood used in the staircase was foreign to the United States. Visitors from the Middle East have claimed that the hardwood used, belongs to them. No one has ever been able to identify the type of wood.

The staircase is twenty-two feet high, and has thirty-three steps forming two complete circular turns of 360 degrees each - without a center support. There were absolutely no nails used. The entire structure is held together with wooden pegs. The hardwood is spliced in seven places on the inside, and in nine on the outside. Each piece forms a perfect curve.

Professionals from all over the world have come to view this master- work, and never fail to marvel at its strength and beauty.

The steps were used each day for over eighty-five years. And as one climbed each step, a feeling of vertical movement was felt, as if the turns in the staircase were taken out of a large coiled spring. It is said that this springiness is a part of the secret of its creator.

There are the elderly Sisters of Loretto who beam with pride when they recall that Saint Joseph lovingly came to build them this jewel. Their trust in the written documents of their archives is unceasing. And there are, of course, the modern members who roll-their-eyes and think, "How can they be so gullible?" But whether one believes that the "Miraculous Staircase" is the handiwork of our sainted carpenter, or simply a gift from a generous artisan, it holds for all Americans, a rich and lasting history. Its beauty is ageless. Its strength, untiring.

The Loretto Academy closed its doors over two decades ago. Now, in its place stands the Inn at Loretto, a splendid adobe-style hotel. Out of respect for the miraculous staircase, (and those who believe in it), the owners of the hotel have allowed the chapel to remain.

Though the private chapel has not been in use for many years, Masses are still heard by those special souls who "own" a piece of this chapel's past. The sixty nuns who served at the academy celebrate their golden jubilee Masses in the Chapel of Our Lady of Light. And former students and their relatives often celebrate Nuptial Masses in "their" chapel.

Today, it still receives visitors from all parts of the world. The Loretto Sisters have charge of the sacred dwelling. And they burn a perpetual sanctuary lamp for those tourists who so devoutly pay their respects to this American treasure that has found its way into the hearts of so many believers from so many faiths.

(note: the original staircase had no railing, it was only added later in 1887 by an artisan named Phillip August Hesch)

St. Joseph Prosperity Beans Package
This is a very popular and powerful tradition!

Every year millions of faithful honor St. Joseph and seek his continued protection. The beans in this package are significant in the fact that they serve as a reminder of a huge famine in Sicily and the most miraculous intercession by dear St. Joseph. It was through his interecession that the fava bean was prolific while the other crops failed. This bean became the food that kept the farmers and families from starving to death.

St. Joseph answered their prayers in time of need, he will surely be listening to all who seek his help! These beans should not be used superstitiously (like a good luck charm) but should serve as a reminder to pray for our temporal needs by invoking the intercession of dear St. Joseph.

The special bean used is called the "lucky bean" or “beans of prosperity.” It is said that the person who carries these ‘beans of prosperity’ will never be without coins or necessities.

Our package is the most complete "St. Joseph Prosperity Bean" package available. It comes with the special beans, a velvet drawstring pouch for safe keeping, a St. Joseph Holy Card, a St. Joseph medal imported from Italy, and an explantion sheet with history and prayer. Donation only $6.95

To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we seek with confidence thy patronage also. By that affection wherewith thou wast united to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God; by the fatherly love with which thou didst embrace the Child Jesus, we humbly beseech thee to look down with gracious eye upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased for us by His Blood, and to help us in our need by thy powerful intercession.

Defend, O thou most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen offspring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, O thou our most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage, so that imitating thy example and strengtheded by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.

God chose blessed St. Joseph to be the Spouse of Our Most Holy Mother: that we may have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our most Holy Protector. Let us call upon him for all our earthly needs.

The "ST. JOSEPH" Prayer cloth package includes all of the following:

Our Exclusive Prayer Cloth (cloth is approx. 18" x 18" - images vary in size) with this image on it!

Certificate of Authenticity stating that this Prayer Cloth was touched to 15 first class relics listed above. (This makes your Prayer Cloth a 3rd class relic!)

A prayer cloth history card.

A Special St. Joseph Holy card.

A silver St. Joseph medal imported from Italy

A "relic" tealight candle to burn while praying.
ONLY ~~$14.95 donation~~ $13.95 for limited time

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Joseph, pray for us.
Illustrious Son of David, pray for us.
Light of the Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Faithful Protector of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph most just, pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph most courageous, pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of working men, pray for us.
Ornament of the domestic life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of the family, pray for us.
Consoler of the miserable, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
V. He hath made him master of His house.
R. And ruler of all His possessions.

Let us pray.
O God, who in Thy ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the Spouse of Thy most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our most holy Protector. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

St. Joseph's Holy Cloak Package for all your needs and necessities. Click here to view.

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, 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.

O Saint 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, Amen.

O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (mention your intention)