Their hearts were filled with joy

The very pure Virgin ... disclosed to her husband the vow she had made of perpetual chastity, asking him to help her fulfill it. Saint Joseph disclosed to her the one he had made at the age of twelve. The hearts of the two chaste spouses were filled with an incomparable joy and consolation when they saw the work of the Lord in the conformity of their sentiments. They renewed their vows and promised to assist each other in their effort to reach perfection.

After these promises, they divided the property inherited from Saint Joachim and Saint Anne—they offered one part to the temple, another was set aside for the poor, and the third was left in the hands of the holy spouse Saint Joseph to be disposed of according to his judgment.

Saint Joseph had learned in his youth the trade of carpentry, as being a respectable and proper way of earning his living. He therefore asked his most holy Spouse, whether it was agreeable to Her that he should exercise his trade … the most prudent Virgin approved of this resolve, saying that the Lord did not wish them to be rich, but poor and lovers of the poor, desirous of helping them in as far as their means would allow. She asked permission to distribute alms, which her saintly husband willingly granted her.

The holy marriage was celebrated on September 8th, Mary was 14 years old, and Saint Joseph was 33.

Venerable Mary of Agreda (1602-1665)

Excerpt from the Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Notre Dame des Neiges