Terror of Demons

In her Diary, St. Faustina writes of terror – the terror of dying souls as well as her own brief moments of terror. In one instance, Jesus asks her to help Him to save souls by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for dying sinners. She records, “I found myself in a strange cottage where an elderly man was dying amidst great torments. All about the bed was a multitude of demons and the family, who were crying. When I began to pray, the spirits of darkness fled, with hissing and threats directed at me. The soul became calm and, filled with trust, rested in the Lord” (1798).

Yet St. Faustina, too, experienced moments of terror. Jesus rebukes her for this at one point, saying: I am displeased when a soul yields to vain terrors. Who will dare to touch you when you are with Me? Most dear to Me is the soul that strongly believes in My goodness and has complete trust in Me (453).

St. Faustina would eventually learn to whom she can turn in order to calm her fears and unite her to Jesus. It was none other than Jesus’ foster father, St. Joseph. The famous Litany of St. Joseph identifies him under the title Terror of Demons, and it’s no wonder. Surely, this man entrusted by God with the singular mission of caring for and protecting the Holy Family was endowed with graces enough to strike fear in the forces of darkness. The demons don’t stand a chance against St. Joseph. Saint Faustina writes: St Joseph urged me to have a constant devotion to him. … He has promised me this special help and protection (1203).

When you find yourself feeling overcome by the trials of life, turn to St. Joseph. He was a man who, in his earthly life, never succumbed to “vain terrors.” He remained ever grounded in faith, ever attuned to the will of God in his life. From Heaven, he stands as a go-to saint to help you when forces beyond your control – including demonic forces – seek to unsettle you and pull you toward despair and ruin.

At the end of our lives, many people are susceptible to despair. St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, will squash such despair and all things that stand in opposition to the hope found in the Risen Christ. From Heaven, this humble, quiet man of strength will lead us to the peace found in Jesus.[xvii]

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect us. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Write out the verse from Isaiah 41:10 and place it in a spot that will be a daily reminder for you to invite St. Joseph to pray for you in times of deep fear, that you might not despair, but in great confidence place yourself in God’s hands. 

“Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” – Isaiah 41:10.

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
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 Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of 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.
Zealous Defender 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 Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, 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 takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
He has made him lord of his household,
And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

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