Novena To St. Joseph

Novena to St. Joseph, Joseph, Husband of Mary

For the Confirmation Candidates on Retreat

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First Day: March 10 The man nearest to Christ Jesus was His foster father, Joseph the carpenter. John the Baptist saw Christ briefly near the Jordan and knew that his work as Precursor was over. The Apostles lived and worked with Christ during the brief days of His public life. But Joseph presided over the events of Christ’s Infancy, and provided for Him the house that sheltered Him from birth to baptism. Of all the men on earth, he was the one at whose hands Jesus received the most service and love and unselfish devotion. Born of a royal line, Joseph was a carpenter*. That trade he passed on to his foster Son. Joseph was destined to immortal honors of the Church, yet no spoken word of his is recorded in the scriptures. Still the Church with good reason cries out, “Go to Joseph” (Genesis 41:55). This command we confidently obey as we pray: (Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.) * The Greek word used in the Gospels for St. Joseph’s occupation is “tekton”. It is generally translated as “carpenter”, but more accurately means “artisan” or “mechanic” or “someone who works with his hands”.

Second Day: March 11 There is always a cause for the choices God makes. Out of the long procession of men through history, God selected Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the protector of the Savior. Joseph’s youth was one of stainless virtue. His young manhood was marked by deep religious faith and a burning desire to see the Savior of Israel. His was a life of honest work and of a humility that fitted him for his part in the hidden life of the Savior. Little did he dream as he visited the synagogue on the Sabbath that someday he would be the protector of the synagogue’s God. Little did he understand that the trade of carpenter that he was learning would be the means by which he would provide food and clothing for the world’s Maker, would be the trade that he would teach the Creator of the universe. Without knowing what it was that he was getting ready for, he gave to his simple jobs the full devotion and the full strength of a simple, honest man. In these ordinary ways, he readied himself for the extraordinary assignment that God would give to him. Remembering this splendid man, who walked the simple ways, we pray: (Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

Third Day: March 12 God, in His Providence, chose Joseph, the just man, for the delicate mission of sheltering Mary’s virginity and at the same time being her loyal spouse and the guardian of the Incarnate Son of God. Legend tells us that he was selected by a miracle: the barren rod that he held in his hand blossomed with lilies. Perhaps. But surely his soul was bright with joy when he knew that God had given him to be the partner of his life, the “rose of Sharon” (Song of Songs 2:1), the stainless lily of Israel, the flower among all the flowers in God’s garden. He accepted his bride and his new responsibility with the determination to make her happy, to keep her happy, to keep her safe, and in her company, to carry out whatever were God’s plans for their future. So Joseph and Mary were married, and they established the holy house of Nazareth. There, they lived most exemplary lives. To this strong and pure protector of Mary, we pray: (Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.) 2

Fourth Day: March 13 Wedded to the loveliest of brides, entering marriage with strong ideals and a trust in God’s provident care, Joseph had a right to expect love and security that come with consecrated marriage. While marriage for him was the beginning of a high honor, it was also the beginning of a new pain. While it added to his royal dignity, it was also the occasion of poverty, patience, exile, obscurity, confusion and wonderment. For he soon found out that his virgin bride was with child. What could this possibly mean? He wanted to think her stainless, but what of this clear evidence? He was confused and bewildered. And while it was distasteful to a man of his simple, reserved character, the law of his people demanded that he put her away. His confusion gave way to grave doubt, and doubt in turn gave way to a firm, honorable resolve to take action. What a period of suffering and suspense this must have been for Joseph. In His own good time, God would reveal the wonders of the Incarnation of His Divine Son. But to prepare his soul for so great a miracle, God chose to cleanse his heart in suffering. Remembering Joseph’s trial and suffering, we pray:

(Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

Fifth Day: March 14 Pain and patience in the service of Christ and His Mother soon turn to joy. The visit of the angel brought an end to Joseph’s problems. The Child whom the lovely Mary carried was the Son of the Most High. He had no natural father, for God Himself was His Father. The Holy Spirit had wrought the wonder in Mary’s body. Over Joseph there came in a rush the realization of what his marriage meant. He among all men of earth was to be guardian of the Mother of the Savior. Upon him would rest the responsibility to protect the Christ Child, to provide His home, to watch over His childhood, to lead Him into the safe maturity that would be a prelude to His public life. The home? Joseph had only the house of a carpenter to offer. The food of the Son of God would be plain. The clothes He wore would be those of a laborer’s child. But Joseph silently vowed that the Christ should never want for a heart to love Him, for hands to serve Him, for feet to run His errands, for a back to shoulder whatever weight God would let him bear. Joseph and Mary smiled upon each other and together waited for the coming of the Son of God, the Savior of the world. To Joseph, the guardian of Mary and protector of the Infant Savior, we say:

(Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

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Sixth Day: March 15 To us, Christmas is a day of uninterrupted joy. To Joseph, it was a day of the brightest light and the deepest shadows: a blazing sky and a chilly cave; the presence of angels and the cold shoulder of the villagers; faith and sorrow; intense joy in the Holy Infant and the grief that he could only give the Son of God a stable, straw to lay his head, and his ineffectual service. The story of Joseph and Christmas is dearly familiar to us. It was decreed that they leave the comfort of their home and journey to Bethlehem. The doors of the crowded inns were slammed in his face. He searched through the night until he found the cave which was used as a stable, and prepared it for his Bride and for the coming Child. His was the joy of hearing the song of the angels and watching the procession of the first adorers. His was the pain of seeing Mary shiver in the cold darkness and of remembering that they had been forced to leave in Nazareth the cradle that he had made with such loving care. He was the first sentry in the court of the new King, His first sergeant-at-arms, His prime minister, His treasurer, the faithful disciple of the Master who had yet to speak His first word. To Joseph at Christmastide, we say:

(Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

Seventh Day: March 16 Compared to the powerful and important Herod, Joseph was in the eyes of his times a nobody. Yet, as this faithful carpenter and saint made smooth the ways of his Lord, worked for His comfort, and knelt to adore Him, Herod plotted the destruction of this Child, whom he looked upon as a possible rival for his throne. Herod had tried to turn the Magi into messengers of death, but these wise men having been warned in a dream, did not tell Herod where they had found the King of kings. Herod then began the brutal Slaughter of the Innocents. He ordered his soldiers to kill all boys in Jerusalem two years old and younger, in an attempt to murder the Christ Child and end the threat to his brief and pitiful reign. After another visit of an angel, Joseph is moving through the night, leading the donkey that carries the sacred burden of Mother and Child. Eyes alert for danger, staff gripped tightly, poised against possible threat, feet tirelessly striding forward, a few coins in his purse, his locked shop left behind him, Joseph travels the glorious and ignominious road to exile. But God had chosen well when He chose this protector of Mother and Son. The journey was safe, the exile comfortable, and the return happy and secure. To Joseph, guardian of Jesus and Mary in danger and in exile, we say:

(Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

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Eighth Day: March 17 Wonderful things have happened in the long history of mankind, but none have been more wonderful than what occurred in the little house and shop of Joseph in Nazareth. The earnings of a laborer provide the food for the Creator of heaven and earth. Into the little carpenter shop comes the young Jesus; He works at the side of His foster father at the carpenter’s bench, St. Joseph’s little Apprentice learning the trade of his earthly father. Joseph guides the hands that guide the course of the stars; he teaches the Maker of sun, stars, and planets the craft of making tables and chairs for peasants, and yokes for oxen. The Blessed Trinity looks down to the lovely trinity of heart—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit beautifully mirrored in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Modern Christian homes receive their design and pattern from this model. Modern Catholic marriage is here given its lovely example. Childhood learns obedience as the young Jesus obeys the commands of His parents. The hearts of Mary and Joseph create a union close and dear and intimate and utterly beautiful; together they live and think and plan and work for the Child, Who has been given into their keeping. Their’s was a beautiful family. Remembering the happiness of Joseph in Nazareth, we pray:

(Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

Ninth Day: March 18 Death in the days before Christ was often frightening, often terrible. It was left for Joseph to show us for the first time the perfect way to die. Graciously, God let him know that his work was done. Jesus was almost ready to enter His public life; in that the humble carpenter would play no part. He obeyed the will of God in death as he had obeyed His will in life. For St. Joseph, death had no terrors, for the last vision of earth before the sleep of death closed his eyes, was that of Jesus and Mary. As Joseph lay on his bed, Jesus and Mary were close to him. His head rested on the Virgin breast of his Immaculate Bride. His hand rested in the firm grasp of his foster Son. Jesus was speaking gratefully of what Joseph had done for him. Mary was saying sweet words that gave him inexpressible comfort and consolation. His thoughts were being lifted up toward the heaven that lay ahead and the glory that comes to those who have done their simple duty well. Jesus and Mary followed their beloved protector to the grave. In his place in glory, the whole Church has sought him, called him its faithful guardian and defender, and has known with great certainty, that through his powerful prayers and intercession, favors—too numerous to count—fall upon the world of men and women, whom he regards as his beloved sons and daughters. To St. Joseph in the splendor of Heaven, we say:

(Go to the Novena Prayer to St. Joseph on page 6. Then continue with the other prayers, ending with the Litany on page 8.)

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Novena Prayer to St. Joseph Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants. Therefore, I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death. Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favors I now implore: (1) For the candidates preparing to be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may their minds and hearts be opened to receive Jesus in Word, in the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist, and in the community of their confirmation class. O great St. Joseph, together with your spouse, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, guide the confirmandi to encounter Christ in a personal and intimate way, and to deepen their relationship with Him while on this retreat. (2) For the catechists and retreat leaders, assist them to pass on the deposit of faith and to set the world ablaze with the light Christ. Help them to live as signs of charity and humility, and keep them always in union with the Universal Church. Protect them, O strong St. Joseph, from the attacks, lies, and snares of Satan and all evil spirits. (3) For my personal intentions which I now confide to your most just heart. (pause in silence) Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I am confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen! V/. O Glorious St. Joseph! Through thy love for Jesus Christ and for the glory of His Name, R/. Hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. V/. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, R/. Assist us!

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Supplications to St. Joseph Ever blessed and glorious St. Joseph, kind and loving father, and helpful friend of all in sorrow! Thou art the good father and protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow. Look kindly on my requests. My sins have drawn down on me the just displeasure of my God, and so I am surrounded with unhappiness. To thee, O loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth, do I go for help and protection. Listen, then, I beg of thee, with fatherly concern, to my earnest prayers, and obtain for me the favors I ask. I ask them by the infinite mercy of the Eternal Son of God, which moved Him to take our nature and to be born into this world of sorrow. I ask them by the weariness and suffering thou didst endure when thou didst find no shelter at the inn of Bethlehem for the Holy Virgin, nor a place where the Son of God could be born. Then, being everywhere refused, thou hadst to allow the Queen of Heaven to give birth to the world’s Redeemer in a cave. I ask them by the loveliness and power of that sacred Name, Jesus, which thou didst confer on the adorable Infant. I ask them by that painful torture thou didst feel at the prophecy of holy Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His holy Mother future victims of our sins and of their great love for us. I ask them through thy sorrow and pain of soul when the Angel declared to thee that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies. From their evil plan thou hadst to flee with Him and His Blessed Mother into Egypt. I ask them by all the suffering, weariness and labors of that long and dangerous journey. I ask them by all thy care to protect the Sacred Child and His Immaculate Mother during thy second journey, when thou wert ordered to return to thine own country. I ask them by thy peaceful life in Nazareth, where thou didst meet with so many joys and sorrows. I ask them by thy great distress when the adorable Child was lost to thee and His Mother for three days. I ask them by thy joy at finding Him in the Temple, and by the comfort thou didst find at Nazareth, while living in the company of the Child Jesus. I ask them by the wonderful submission He showed in His obedience to thee. I ask them by the perfect love and conformity thou didst show in accepting the Divine order to depart from this life and from the company of Jesus and Mary. I ask them by the joy which filled thy soul when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and Hell, entered into the possession of His kingdom and led thee into it with special honors. I ask them through Mary’s glorious Assumption and through that endless happiness thou hast with her in the presence of God. O good Father! I beg of thee, by all thy sufferings, sorrows and joys, to hear me and obtain for me what I ask. Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Finally, my dear Patron and Father, be with me and all who are dear to me in our last moments, that we may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph! A blameless life, O St. Joseph, may we lead, by thy kind patronage from danger freed. Amen!

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Memorare to St. Joseph Remember, O most pure spouse of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, my loving protector, that never has it been heard that anyone invoked thy patronage and sought thine aid without being comforted. Confident, therefore, in thy goodness, I come before thee and fervently commend myself to thee. Despise not my petitions, dear foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.

Litany of St. Joseph Lord, have mercy. Christ, 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. St. Joseph, pray for us. Renowned offspring of David, Light of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Foster father of the Son of God, Diligent protector of Christ, Friend of the Sacred Heart, Head of the Holy Family, Joseph most just, Joseph most chaste, Joseph most prudent, Joseph most strong, Joseph most obedient, Joseph most faithful, Mirror of patience, Lover of poverty, Model of artisans, Glory of home life, Guardian of virgins, Pillar of families, Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, Terror of demons, Protector of Holy Church, Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord! Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord! Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. He made him the lord of his household.

And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God,Who in Thine ineffable Providence didst vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that he whom we venerate as our protector on earth may be our intercessor in Heaven. We ask this in Your Name, O Jesus, Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen! 8

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary First Reading (2 Sm 7:47:4-5, 1212-14, 16) The Lord spoke to Nathan and said: "Go, tell my servant David, 'When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.'"

Responsorial Psalm (Ps (Ps 89:289:2-3, 44-5, 27 & 29) R/. The son of David will live for ever. The promises of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness, for you have said, "My kindness is established forever"; in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations." "He shall say of me, 'You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.' Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm."

Second Reading (Rom 4:13, 1616-18, 22) Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, Thus shall your descendants be. That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.

Gospel: (Mt 1:16, 1818-21, 24) Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

OR (Lk 2:412:41-51) Each year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety." And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.

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Prayer of Confidence to St. Joseph With childlike confidence I present myself before you, O holy St. Joseph, faithful foster father of Jesus! I beg for your compassionate intercession and support in these, my present necessities. (1) For the candidates preparing to be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, may their minds and hearts be opened to receive Jesus in Word, in the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist, and in the community of their confirmation class. O great St. Joseph, together with your spouse, the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, guide the confirmandi to encounter Christ in a personal and intimate way, and to deepen their relationship with Him while on this retreat. (2) For the catechists and retreat leaders, assist them to pass on the deposit of faith and to set the world ablaze with the light Christ. Help them to live as signs of charity and humility, and keep them always in union with the Universal Church. Protect them, O strong St. Joseph, from the attacks, lies, and snares of Satan and all evil spirits. (3) For my personal intentions which I now confide to your most just heart. (pause in silence) I firmly believe that you are most powerful near the throne of God, Who chose you for the foster father of His well-beloved Son, Jesus Christ. O blessed Saint, who saved that Treasure of Heaven, with His virginal Mother, from the fury of His enemies, who with untiring industry supplied His earthly wants, and with paternal care accompanied and protected Him in all the journeys of His childhood, take me also, for the love of Jesus, as your child. Assist me in my present difficulties with you prayers before God. The infinite goodness of our Savior, Who loved and honored you as His earthly father, cannot refuse you any request now in Heaven. How many pious souls have asked for your help and have joyfully experienced how good, and how ready you are to assist. How quickly you turn to those who call upon you with confidence! How powerful you are in bringing help and restoring joy to anxious and dejected hearts! Therefore, do I fly to you, O most worthy father of Jesus, most chaste spouse of Mary! Good St. Joseph, I pray that by the burning love you had for Jesus and Mary upon earth, you may console me in my distress and present my petitions, through Jesus and Mary, before the Throne of God! One word from you will move Him to assist my afflicted soul. Then most joyfully shall I praise God and you, and more heartfelt shall be my thanksgiving! Amen!

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Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows & Joys of St. Joseph (Pray an “Our Father,” “Hail Mary”, and “Glory be” after each sorrow & joy.) 1. Chaste Lover of Mary, how overwhelmed you were when you thought that you would have to end your betrothal to her. But when the angel of God came to you in a dream, you were filled with awe to realize that Mary would be your wife, and you would be the guardian of the Messiah. By this sorrow and this joy, help our families and all our loved ones to overcome all sadness of heart and develop an absolute trust in God’s goodness. Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory be… 2. Faithful guardian of Jesus, what a failure you thought you were when you could only provide a stable for the birth of the Holy Child. And then what a wonder it was when shepherds came to tell of angel choirs, and wise men came to adore the King of Kings. By this sorrow and this joy, help us and all we love to become like sinless mangers where the Savior of the world may be received with absolute love and faith. 3. Tender-hearted Joseph, you too felt pain when the blood of Jesus was first shed at His circumcision. Yet how proud you were to be the one privileged to give the name Jesus, Savior, to the very Son of God. By this sorrow and this joy, pray for us, St. Joseph, that the sacred Blood of Christ, poured out for our salvation, may guard our families, so that the Divine Name of Jesus may be written in our hearts forever. 4. Joseph, loving husband, how bewildered you were when Simeon spoke the words of warning that the hearts of Jesus and Mary would be pierced with sorrows. Yet his prediction that this would lead to the salvation of innumerable souls filled you with consolation. By this sorrow and this joy, help us to see with eyes of faith that even the sufferings and pains of those we deeply love can become the pathway to salvation and eternal life. 5. Courageous protector of the Holy Family, how terrified you were when you had to make the sudden flight with Jesus and Mary to escape the treachery of King Herod and the cruelty of his soldiers. But when you reached Egypt, what satisfaction you had to know that the Savior of the world had come to replace the pagan idols. By this sorrow and this joy, keep us far from the false idols of earthly attractions, so that like you, we may be entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary. 6. Ever-obedient Joseph, you trustingly returned to Nazareth at God’s command, in spite of your fear that King Herod’s son might still be a threat to Jesus’ life. Then, what fatherly pride you had in seeing Jesus grow in wisdom and grace before God and men under your care. By this sorrow and this joy, show us how to be free from all useless fear and worry, so we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, living safely with Jesus and Mary. 7. Dependable father and husband, how frantic you and Mary were when, through no fault of yours, you could not find Jesus and searched for three days to locate Him. What incredible relief was yours when you found Him safe in the Temple of God. By this sorrow and this joy, help us, St. Joseph, never to lose Jesus through the fault of our own sins. But if we should lose Him through mortal sin, grant that we may seek him with unwearied sorrow until we find Him again; so that we, like you, may finally pass from this life, dying safely in the arms of Jesus and Mary. 11

Invocations to St. Joseph Hail Joseph, image of God the Father. Hail Joseph, father of God the Son. Hail Joseph, temple of the Holy Ghost. Hail Joseph, beloved of the Holy Trinity. Hail Joseph, most faithful helper in the great plan of Redemption. Hail Joseph, most worthy spouse of the Virgin Mother. Hail Joseph, father of all the faithful. Hail Joseph, guardian of holy virgins. Hail Joseph, greatest lover of poverty. Hail Joseph, example of meekness and patience. Hail Joseph, mirror of humility and obedience. Blessed art thou among all men. And blessed are thine eyes, which have seen what thou hast seen. And blessed are thine ears, which have heard what thou hast heard. And blessed are thy hands, which have touched the Word Incarnate. And blessed are thine arms, which have carried the One Who carries all things. And blessed is thy breast, on which the Son of God most sweetly reposed. And blessed is thy heart, kindled with most ardent love. And blessed be the Eternal Father, Who chose thee. And blessed be the Son, Who loved thee. And blessed be the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified thee. And blessed be Mary, thy wife, who loved thee as a spouse and a brother. And blessed be the Angel who guarded thee. And blessed be forever all who bless thee and who love thee.

Prayer to St. Joseph to Discern One’s Vocation Vocation O Great St. Joseph, so docile to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, obtain for me the grace to know what state of life Divine Providence destines for me. Do not allow me to be deceived with regard to so important a choice, upon which depends my happiness in this world, and even my eternal salvation. Obtain for me that, being enlightened to know the Divine Will and being faithful in accomplishing it, I may embrace that state of life which God has destined for me and which will lead me to a happy eternity. Amen!

Prayer for the Church Militant O Glorious Saint Joseph, you were chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus, the most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, and the head of the Holy Family. You have been chosen by Christ's Vicar as the heavenly Patron and Protector of the Church founded by Jesus. I confidently implore your powerful aid for all the Church Militant on earth. Shield with your fatherly love the Sovereign Pontiff and all bishops and priests united with the Holy See of Peter. Defend all who labor for souls amid the trials and tribulations of this life; and grant that all peoples of the world may submit themselves in a docile spirit to the Church which is the ark of salvation for all men. Amen! 12

Petition for St. Joseph’s Blessing Bless me, O dearly beloved Father, St. Joseph; bless my body and my soul; bless my resolutions, my words and deeds, all my actions and omissions, my every step. Bless all that I possess, all my interior and exterior goods, that all may redound to the greater honor of God. Bless me for time and eternity, and preserve me from every sin. Obtain for me the grace to make atonement for all my sins by love and contrition here on earth, so that after my last breath I may, without delay, prostrate at your feet in Heaven and thank you for all the love and goodness that you, O dearest Father, have shown me. Amen!

Act of Consecration to St. Joseph O Dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, protector, and guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent devotion to the interior life. Grant that, following your example, I may direct all my actions to the greater glory of God, in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and in union with your own paternal heart. Finally, pray for me that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen!

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