st. joseph
During the Year of Saint Joseph
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The Litany to St. Joseph is ordinarily enriched with a partial indulgence (Manual of Indulgences, conc. 22). During the Year of Saint Joseph, however,—which lasts from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021—the use of the Litany of Saint Joseph has been included among other prayers to St. Joseph enriched with a plenary indulgence (see Decree of the Apostolic Penitentiary issued Dec. 8, 2020, section E), which may be earned once a day subject to the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Pope, and a total detachment to all sin, including venial sin.
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
The Litany to St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
God our Father in 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 son of the House of David, pray for us.
Light of patriarchs, pray for us.
Husband of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Faithful guardian of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
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Joseph, chaste and just, pray for us.
Joseph, prudent and brave, pray for us.
Joseph, obedient and loyal, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of workers, pray for us.
Example to parents, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of family life, pray for us.
Comfort of the troubled, 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, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
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V. God made him master of his household,
R. And put him in charge of all that he owned.
Let us pray.
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O God, who in your loving providence were pleased to choose Saint Joseph to be the spouse of the most holy Mother of your Son, grant, we pray, that we, who venerate him as our protector on earth, may be worthy of his heavenly intercession. Through Christ our Lord.
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R. Amen.
Prayer to the Sleeping St. Joseph​
O Saint Joseph, You are a man greatly favoured by the Most High. The angel of the Lord appeared to you in dreams, while you slept, to warn you and guide you as you cared for the Holy Family. You were both silent and strong, a loyal and courageous protector.
Dear Saint Joseph, as you rest in the Lord, confident in His absolute power and goodness, look upon me.
Please take my need… (mention your request here) … into your heart, dream of it, and present it to your Son. Help me then, good Saint Joseph, to hear the voice of God, to arise, and to act with love. I praise and thank God with joy. Saint Joseph, I love you.
Amen.
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O Most Chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Full of confidence in your power, I fly unto thee, my spiritual father, and beg your protection. Despise not, O foster-father of the Redeemer, my humble petitions, but in your goodness, hear and answer me.
Amen.​
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
The Church encourages us to prepare ourselves for the hour of our death. In the litany of the saints, for instance, she has us pray: "From a sudden death and unforeseen death, deliver us, O Lord," to ask the Mother of God to intercede for us "at the hour of our death" in the Hail Mary; and to entrust ourselves to St. Joseph, the patron of a happy death (CCC 1014).
For a holy death
O Blessed Joseph, you gave your last breath in the loving embrace of Jesus and Mary. When the seal of death shall close my life, come with Jesus and Mary to aid me. Obtain for me this solace for that hour: to die with their holy arms around me. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I commend my soul, living and dying, into your sacred arms.
Amen.
A prayer for workers
Blessed St. Joseph, patron of all workers, obtain for me the grace to labour in a spirit of penance for the atonement of my many sins. Help me to be conscientious in my work so that I may give as full a measure as I have received.
May I labor in a spirit of thankfulness and joy, ever mindful of all the gifts I have received from God that enable me to perform these tasks. Permit me to work in peace, patience, and moderation, keeping in mind the account I must one day give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vanity of success, so fatal to the work of God. Glorious St. Joseph, may my labors be all for Jesus, all through Mary, and all after your holy example in life and in death.
Amen.
A prayer for protection​
St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
St. Joseph, do 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.
St. 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. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
Consecration to Saint Joseph (Of Children By Their Parents)
O glorious St. Joseph, to you God committed the care of His only begotten Son amid the many dangers of this world. We come to you and ask you to take under your special protection the children God has given us. Through Holy Baptism they became children of God and members of His holy Church. We consecrate them to you today, that through this consecration they may become your foster children.
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Guard them, guide their steps in life, form their hearts after the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect our dear children for time and eternity. May you be their father and counsellor, let them, like Jesus, grow in age as well as in wisdom and grace before God and men. Preserve them from the corruption of this world, and give us the grace one day to be united with them in heaven forever.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph to Obtain a Conversion of a Loved One
O glorious patriarch, St. Joseph, who merited to be called "just" by the Holy Spirit, I urgently recommend to you the soul of [state the name(s) here], which Jesus redeemed at the price of His Precious Blood.
You know how deplorable is the state and how unhappy the life of those who have banished this loving Savior from their hearts, and how greatly they are exposed to the danger of losing Him eternally. Permit not, I fervently beseech you, that souls so dear to me should continue any longer in their evil ways. Preserve them from the danger that threatens them. Grant them conversion, love of Jesus, Mary, and the Catholic Church, and a return to full participation in the Sacraments. Glorious St. Joseph, touch the heart of these prodigal children, hear my prayer and take away my fears.
Abandon them not, I implore you, until you have opened to them the gates of the Heavenly City, where they will praise and bless you throughout eternity for the happiness which they will owe to your powerful intercession. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of Departing Souls
Oh, Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires.
Oh, Saint Joseph, do 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.
Oh, Saint Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press him in my name, kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me.
​A Devotion in Honour of the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Saint Joseph
First Sorrow and Joy
O most pure Spouse of Mary, glorious St. Joseph, as the affliction and anguish of thy heart was exceedingly great in thy perplexity, whether thou shouldst abandon thy most unspotted Spouse, so was the joy unspeakable when, by an Angel, the sublime Mystery of the Incarnation was revealed to thee. By this sorrow and joy, we beseech thee that now, and in our last agony, thou mayest comfort our souls by the joy of a good life and a holy death, like thine in the society of Jesus and Mary.
Our Father...Hail Mary... Glory Be...
Second Sorrow and Joy
O most happy Patriarch, glorious saint Joseph, who wast to fulfill the duty of foster father to the Incarnate Word, thy sorrow in beholding the poverty of the Child Jesus in His birth, was changed immediately into heavenly delight, by hearing the angelic harmony, and by beholding the glory of that most resplendent night. By this thy sorrow and joy, we beseech Thee, that, after the passage of this life, we may in the next hear the angelic praises and enjoy the brightness of eternal glory.
Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...
​Third Sorrow and Joy
O most excellent observer of the divine law, glorious St. Joseph, the most precious Blood which the Divine Infant, our Redeemer, shed in His circumcision, afflicted thy heart: but the Sacred Name of Jesus revived it and replenished it with gladness.
By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that during our life we may be free from every vice, and may in death joyfully breathe forth our soul with the Most Holy Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.
Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...
Fourth Sorrow and Joy
O most faithful Saint, who wast admitted to a participation in the Mystery of our Redemption, glorious St. Joseph, if the prophecy of Simeon, concerning what Jesus and Mary were to suffer, gave thee mortal affliction, thou wast likewise filled with holy joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection of innumerable souls, which he likewise foretold. By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that we may be among the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of His Virgin Mother, will arise to everlasting glory.
Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...
Fifth Sorrow and Joy
O Most vigilant guardian and intimate friend of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious St. Joseph, how much didst thou suffer in providing for and serving the Son of the Most High, particularly in the flight thou wast obliged to make into Egypt! But how much also didst thou rejoice in having always with thee the same God, and seeing the Egyptian idols fall prostrate on the ground! By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that we may keep at a distance from the infernal tyrant, especially by flying from dangerous occasions, so that the idols of earthly affections may fall from our hearts, and that, being entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live for them alone, and with them calmly die.
Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...​
Sixth Sorrow and Joy
O angel on earth, glorious St. Joseph, who didst behold, subject to thine orders the King of heaven: although thy joy in conducting Him back was disturbed by the fear of Archilaus, thou wast, nevertheless, comforted by an Angel,and didst dwell in safety with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. By this thy sorrow and joy, obtain for us, that our hearts being released from hurtful fears, we may enjoy peace of conscience, and live in security with Jesus and Mary, and die in their embraces.
Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...​
Seventh Sorrow and Joy
O model of all sanctity, glorious saint Joseph, having lost the Divine Child without any fault of thine, thou didst seek Him in great sorrow for three days, until at length thou was filled with exceeding gladness on finding Him in the temple amidst the doctors. By this thy sorrow and joy, we beseech Thee, to intercede for us, that we may never lose Jesus by grievous sin, but that, should we have the misfortune to lose Him, we may seek for Him with unwearied sorrow until we have happily found Him; and particularly that we may find Him at the hour of our death, in order to enjoy Him in Heaven, and there with thee to sing eternally His divine mercies. \
Our Father...Hail Mary...Glory Be...
Antiphon: Jesus Himself was beginning His public life about the age of thirty years, being, as it was supposed, the Son of Joseph.
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​V. Pray for us, O saint Joseph.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray. O God, Who, by Thy wonderful Providence didst vouchsafe to choose St. Joseph to be the spouse of Thy Most Holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that he whom we generate as our protector on earth, may be our intercessor in Heaven: Who livest and reignest, world without end.
Amen.
Special favours have been obtained by the recitation of the following prayers in honour of St. Joseph
O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare; particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favour we now implore. (Here mention or reflect upon your lawful requests)
O Guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers on our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
Say the following versicle seven times, in honour of the seven joys and sorrows of St. Joseph
V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His name.
R. Hear our prayers, and obtain our petitions.
Prayer to Saint Joseph to Know One's Vocation
O Great Saint Joseph, you were completely obedient to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Obtain for me the grace to know the state of life that God in His providence has chosen for me. Since my happiness on earth, and perhaps even my final happiness in Heaven, depends on this choice, let me not be deceived in making it. Obtain for me the light to know God's Will, to carry it out faithfully, and to choose the vocation which will lead me to a happy eternity.
To St. Joseph for the Protection of our family
Gracious St. Joseph, protect me and my family from all evil as you did the Holy Family. Kindly keep us ever united in the love of Christ, ever fervent in imitation of the virtue of our Blessed Lady, your sinless spouse, and always faithful in devotion to you.
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Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for the Conversion of a Sinner
O just and glorious St Joseph, I incessantly entrust to you the salvation of the soul of (name the person), redeemed at the cost of the Precious Blood of Jesus. You, great Saint that you are, know how unhappy are those who, having banished the Divine Saviour from their heart, are in danger of losing Him for all eternity. Therefore, do not allow this soul who is so dear to me to be separated very long from Jesus. Make him/her recognize the dangers that threaten him/her. Speak firmly to his/her heart. Lead back this prodigal son to the embrace of the best of parents and do not leave him/her until you have opened the gates of Heaven, where he/she will bless you eternally for the joy that you have given him/her.
Amen.
A NOVENA TO ST JOSEPH
DAILY NOVENA PRAYER:
Almighty God, you have chosen Saint Joseph to be the mainstay of Jesus and Mary, the wise and faithful servant in whom they could trust. We pray, that he may truly be the guardian of your Church; that he may inspire with confidence those who are devoted to him; that he may give security to those who work in the vineyard of your Son; and finally, that he may be a source of strength to us, who wish, like him, to dedicate ourselves to Christ’s service, now and in times to come.
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Amen.
Please read and reflect on the themes of the day then pray the above Novena prayer.
FIRST DAY:
Joseph – The Man of Morals
"Joseph was a man who always did what was right." Matthew 1:19
What a predicament Joseph was in when he discovered Mary was pregnant. What was he to do? Being a man of God and an honourable man, he trusted in God’s guidance to show him the way.
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We often feel uncertain what to do. We fret and worry, and blame God for allowing things to happen to us. When we are troubled and worried, may we learn to trust in God. Pray, that like St Joseph, we will put our problems before the Lord and trust Him to show us the right path to take.
SECOND DAY:
Joseph – The Man who Listened
"If you listen to me, you will know what is right and fair." Proverbs 2:9
Joseph was a man who listened. Constant noise prevents us from listening and hearing our friends, family and God. Joseph knew how to be silent to allow God’s Word to come through to him. No spoken word is recorded of him.
In our world today, we are surrounded by noise and distraction. Our spiritual ‘senses’ become numbed by the intrusive noises of television, vehicles, mobile phones and modern technology. Is it any wonder we do not hear God speaking to us? We ask St Joseph to help us to know how to be silent and to carve out some ‘quiet time’ in our day to listen to God.
THIRD DAY:
Joseph – The Man of Trust
"An angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph." Matthew 1:20
God spoke to Joseph in his dreams and he trusted in the plans God laid before him to take Mary as his wife.
Like St Joseph, who questioned but trusted God’s judgement of what was right for him and his family, we too should trust that God, our Father, loves us so much, he knows what is right for us as individuals. St Joseph questioned God’s plan. We also may question God’s intention for us. However may we, like him, have the strength to place our trust in the Lord.
FOURTH DAY:
Joseph – The Man of Protection
"Joseph got up and took the child and his mother and left that night for Egypt." Matthew 2:14
Joseph fled with Mary, his wife, and the new born baby conceived by the Holy Spirit to the land of Egypt, to protect his family from King Herod, who was about to search for the child and kill him. St Joseph, a husband and father, shared the demands of providing food, clothing, a stable home and support for Mary and his foster-son, Jesus. As Guardian of the Holy Family, he recognised the danger they were in and took action to keep Mary and Jesus safe from harm. We ask St Joseph to protect our families and to strengthen us in love.
FIFTH DAY:
Joseph – The Patron of the Church
"Joseph went…to David’s town of Bethlehem – because he was a descendant of David." Luke 2:4
Joseph, being a descendant of the royal House of David, understood the need to register his family by census in the town of Bethlehem. God appointed Joseph as head of the Holy Family. Through Mary, the Church received Christ our Saviour, thereby the Church owes her gratitude and veneration to Joseph who was chosen to enable Christ to enter into the world.
Joseph was the head of the Holy Family, who was father, protector, guide and support and the starting point of the Church. Today it is believed the Church is the family of God on earth. Bless the Pope, Bishops, Priests, the religious and the laity of the Catholic Church that they ever grow in God’s love and faithfulness in his service. We ask St Joseph to protect the Church from the evils of our day and from the persecution of her enemies.
SIXTH DAY:
Joseph – The Man of Faith
"Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival." Luke 2:41
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Joseph observed the religious feasts and practices of the Jewish faith especially attending the Synagogue on the Sabbath. He taught Jesus to say his prayers at meals and at certain hours of the day, he also introduced the Scriptures and Psalms to his foster son.
As with Joseph, our faith is a gift which should be treasured and accepted with grace. Joseph lived and shared his faith and was devoted to deepening his relationship with God. We ask Joseph to help us to strengthen our faith by spending time in prayer each day and to take part in the Church’s liturgy. Let us be confident to share our faith with all we meet and give them a warm welcome in our hearts and communities.
SEVENTH DAY:
Joseph – The Family Man
And Joseph named him Jesus” Matthew 1:25
Joseph, an ordinary man, faced many family problems such as Mary’s pregnancy, the threat to the life of Jesus, exile to a foreign land and how to make ends meet. As husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, Joseph showed the deepest love and respect for his family and cherished all the experiences that come with family life. He died peacefully in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
As head of the family, Joseph watched out for Jesus and Mary at all times. May he help all couples to live out the love which they promised to each other. As Patron of families help us with our financial problems so that we do not allow money or material things to spoil the bond that unites a family. May all families be a source of peace, unity and happiness for children as well as for parents.
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EIGHTH DAY:
Joseph – The Worker
"Isn’t he the carpenter’s son?" Matthew 13:55
Joseph loved his work, was dedicated to his chosen trade, took pride in his workmanship and taught Jesus the skills of his craft. He probably knew the hardship of unemployment when there was little or no work for himself and Jesus.
St Joseph, help us to see our work as a service for others, a means of bringing order and beauty out of chaos and making our world a better place. Help us to see work as more than a means of making money. Help us appreciate the dignity of work and grant us meaningful employment. We pray for the unemployed, underemployed and those who are working under stress.
NINTH DAY:
Joseph – The Faithful Servant
"Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant? He is the one that his master has placed in charge of the other servants to give them food at the proper time." Matthew 24:45
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Joseph’s life was one of loving service, he served his family, he served his community and he served his God. He was faithful to his duties, sacrificed unselfishly; his life was one of generous giving and devoted to the Will of God. Joseph faithfully carried out his duties using the graces and gifts bestowed on him by God to serve the Lord unconditionally.
Joseph, you had the privilege of being God’s faithful servant, as a token of your own gratitude, obtain for us the grace to be a faithful servant of God. By your own example, inspire us to be, as you were, faithful, unselfish and devoted in your duties, without praise or reward. Help us to trust in the Providence of God and to follow in the obedience of Jesus who came not to do His will but the will of His Father.
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