Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious Saint [Joseph] … I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and honored him by particular services who did not advance greatly in virtue: for he helps in a special way those souls who commend themselves to him. It is now very many years since I began asking him for something on his feast, and I have always received it. If the petition was in any way amiss, he rectified it for my greater good … I ask for the love of God that he who does not believe me will make the trial for himself.

ST TERESA OF AVILA
IN THE LIFE OF ST TERESA OF AVILA BY HERSELF, TRANS. J. COHEN (PENGUIN CLASSICS, 1987)