A MORNING OFFERING THROUGH ST. JOSEPH
 IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH
AND IN HONOR OF THE HOLY CHILD
THE DEVOTION OF THE SEVEN SUNDAYS
MY TRIPLE PRAYER NOVENA
 ACT OF CONFIDENCE
MEMORAE TO JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH
APPEAL TO ST. JOSEPH
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH BEFORE MASS AND HOLY COMMUNION
PRAYER IN A DIFFICULT PROBLEM
PETITION FOR ST. JOSEPH'S BLESSING
A PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR THE SUCCESS OF A TEMPORAL AFFAIR
PRAYER FOR PURITY
PRAISES OF ST. JOSEPH
INVOCATIONS TO ST. JOSEPH
A POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE HOLY FATHER
PRAYER FOR  THE CHURCH MILITANT
HOLY FAMILY PRAYER
OFFERING
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH TO OBTAIN A CONVERSION
30 DAY NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
A DAILY PRAYER OF PETITION TO ST. JOSEPH
A Boy Sweetheart's Daily Prayer  |   A Girl Sweetheart's Daily Prayer
AN ANCIENT PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH
THE MEMORAE OF ST. JOSEPH
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH
ANOTHER ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH
CORD OF ST. JOSEPH
PRAYER FOR PRIESTS
PRAYER OF CONFIDENCE IN ST. JOSEPH
THE PRACTICE OF THE NINE FIRST WEDNESDAYS
GO TO JOSEPH PRAYER
LITANY OF SAINT JOSEPH
LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH FOR THE DYING
AND THE BODY AND TOMB OF ST. JOSEPH
THE REASONS ST. JOSEPH IS THE PATRON OF THE DYING
PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH
ANOTHER PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH
A SHORT PRAYER FOR THE DYING
PRAYER FOR THE AGONIZING
PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN THE AGONY OF DEATH
JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
INDULGENCED PRAYER
ASPIRATIONS FOR THE DYING
PRAYER FOR A HEAVENLY CROWN
THE DEVOTION OF THE SEVEN SORROWS AND JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH
THE CHAPLET OF ST. JOSEPH
MORE TEXT FOR ST. JOSEPH: NEXT PAGE

A MORNING OFFERING THROUGH ST. JOSEPH
 

Receive me, dear and chosen Father, and the offering of every
movement of my body and soul, which I desire to present
through thee to my blessed Lord.

Purify all! Make all a perfect holocaust! May every pulsation
of my heart be a Spiritual Communion, every look and
thought an act of love, every action a sweet sacrifice,
every word an arrow of Divine love, every step
an advance toward Jesus, every visit to Our Lord as
pleasing to God as the errands of Angels, every thought
of thee, dear Saint, an act to remind thee that I am thy child.

I recommend to thee the occasions in which I usually fail,
particularly . . . [Mention these]. Accept each little devotion
of the day, though replete with imperfection, and offer it
to Jesus, Whose mercy will overlook all, since He
regards not so much the gift as the love of the giver.
Amen.
 

From the Booklet, Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph
TAN BOOKS AND PUBLISHERS

IN PREPARATION FOR THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH
AND IN HONOR OF THE HOLY CHILD
 
 

The Blessed Virgin Mary said to Ven. Mary Agreda:

"The whole human race has much undervalued the privilege and prerogatives conceded to my blessed husband, St. joseph. I assure you that he is one of the the greatly favored personages in the Divine Presence, and he has immense power to stay the arms of Divine vengeance. That which my husband asks of the Lord in heaven is granted upon earth, and on his intercession depend many extraordinary favors for men."

HYMN TO ST. JOSEPH

Dear Saint Joseph, Jesus called thee
Father when on earth He dwelt;
With His infant arms twined round thee
Thou His loving kiss hast felt.

So, we too, would Father call thee
Show us then a father's care,
And beneath thy strong protection
Keep us safe from sinful snare.

Think how once the God-child, Jesus,
On thy tender bosom lay,
And for His dear sake, Saint Joseph,
Take us to thy heart today.

THE DEVOTION OF THE SEVEN SUNDAYS

The Seven Sundays in honor of St. Joseph are observed in the following manner: Holy Communion is received in his honor on seven consecutive Sundays, and on each Sunday the prayers in honor of the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph are recited. For the Seven Sorrows and Joys, click Here.

An excellent means of obtaining special favors through the intercession of St. Joseph is to honor his seven sorrows and seven joys by the devotion of the Seven Sundays. This devotion may be practiced at any time of the year, but fervent clients of St. Joseph like to venerate him especially on the seven Sundays preceding his feast, March 19. Then they more confidently hope to obtain some particular favor; often the favors they receive are greater than they had expected. St. Teresa of Avila tells us that St. Joseph frequently obtained for her much greater favors than those for which she had petitioned.

It is related that a ship containing a number of passengers was wrecked off the coast of Holland. Two Franciscan monks, who had clung to a plank for two days, were saved by a man of venerable appearance who miraculously brought them to shore. Upon their asking him who he was, he replied, "I am Joseph, and I desire you to honor my seven sorrows and seven joys." This was the origin of the devotion to the sorrows and joys of St. Joseph.

Those who are seeking a special request may also have seven Masses said in honor of St. Joseph, or assist at seven Masses, give alms or fast seven times, make seven visits to a chapel or to an image of the Saint. A novena may be made by daily saying the prayers of the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph; or this devotion may be performed for thirty days and ended with the reception of the Sacraments. One can also make a novena by saying the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be seven times on each of seven consecutive Sundays, in honor of the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph. It is very pleasing to St. Joseph and a great act of charity to aid, in his honor, those souls in Purgatory who during life practiced special devotion to him. In our various necessities, we might promise St. Joseph that if he comes to our aid we will have one or more Masses said for the Poor Souls, or offer Holy Communion for them.

MY TRIPLE PRAYER NOVENA

O Eternal Son! for the love of the
Eternal Father, and for the love of the
Eternal Holy Ghost, grant my request.

O Eternal Holy Ghost! for the love of the
Eternal Father, and for the love of the
Eternal Son, grant my request.

O my Crucified Jesus, for the love of the
ever adorable Trinity, and for the love of
Mary and Joseph, grant my request.

O Mary, my Mother, for the love of the
ever adorable Trinity, and for the love of
Jesus and Joseph, obtain my request.

O Holy St. Joseph, for the love of the
ever adorable Trinity, and for the love of
Jesus and Mary, obtain my request.

ACT OF CONFIDENCE
 

Heart of Jesus, I adore Thee,
Heart of Mary, I implore thee,
Heart of Joseph, meek and just,
In these three Hearts I place my trust.

MEMORAE TO JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

Remember, O merciful Jesus, Immaculate Mary, and glorious
St. Joseph, that no one has ever had recourse to Thy
protection, or implore Thy assistance without obtaining relief.
Animated with a like confidence but weighed down by
my sins, I prostrate myself before Thee. O! Reject not
my petitions, but graciously hear and grant them. Amen.

APPEAL TO ST. JOSEPH

 O BLESSED ST. JOSEPH, tenderhearted Father,
faithful guardian of Jesus, chaste spouse of the Mother of God,
I pray and beseech thee to offer to God the Father,
His Divine Son, bathed in Blood on the Cross for sinners,
and through the thrice Holy Name of Jesus,
obtain for us from the Eternal Father,  the favor we implore . . . Amen.

O JOSEPH, foster Father of Jesus, most pure spouse
of the Virgin Mary, pray for us daily to the Son of God,
so that, armed with the might of His grace and loyally fighting
the good fight here on earth, we may be crowned by Him
at  the hour of our death. Amen.
 

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH BEFORE MASS AND HOLY COMMUNION

Happy and blessed art thou, O Joseph, to whom it was given not only to see and to hear that God whom many kings desired to see, and saw not, to hear, and heard not; but also to hold Him in thine arms, to embrace Him, to clothe Him, and to guard and defend Him.

Pray for us, O blessed Joseph,
  that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray

O God, who hast given unto us a royal priesthood, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, that as Blessed Joseph was found worthy to touch with his hands, and bear within his arms, Thine Only-begotten Son, born of the Virgin Mary, so may we be made fit, by cleanness of heart and purity of work, to serve at Thy holy altars; that we may worthily receive the Most Sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son, now in this present world, and deserve to attain an everlasting reward in the world to come. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

[From the Roman Missal.]

PRAYER IN A DIFFICULT PROBLEM

O GLORIOUS St. Joseph, thou who hast power to render possible even things which are considered impossible, come to our aid in our present trouble and distress. Take this important and difficult affair under thy particular protection, that it may end happily. (Name your request.)
O dear St. Joseph, all our confidence is in thee. let it not be said that we would invoke thee in vain; and since thou art so powerful with Jesus and Mary. show that thy goodness equals thy power. Amen, St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.

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 thy feet return thee thanks in Heaven for all the love and goodness thou, O dearest Father, hast shown me here below. Amen.

Now pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father,
three times, in thanksgiving to God for the graces and prerogatives
bestowed on St. Joseph.

A PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR THE SUCCESS OF
A TEMPORAL AFFAIR

O GREAT ST. JOSEPH, whose influence over the Hearts of
Jesus and Mary is all powerful and who hast never been invoked
in vain, I ask, with the most firm and lively confidence, the
speedy granting of my request. [State your petition.]
Dear St. Joseph, obtain for me the object of my prayer if it be
for the glory of God and my own salvation; but if it is not, then
obtain for the grace lovingly to resign myself to the Will of my
Heavenly Father, who in the afflictions He permits, as well as the
temporal favors He grants me, has in view only my happiness
here and my eternal salvation. Amen.

Now pray the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, three times, in thanksgiving to God for the graces and prerogatives bestowed on St. Joseph.
 

FROM THE BOOKLET, FAVORITE PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH
TAN BOOKS AND PUBLISHERS [PRINTED WITH PERMISSION]

PRAYER FOR PURITY
 

O GUARDIAN of Virgins and holy Father St. Joseph, into whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence  itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.

Grant us, dear Joseph, to run life's pathway in innocent fashion:
May we be ever safe under thy blest patronage.

O Saint Joseph, foster-father of our Lord Jesus Christ and true spouse of Mary the Virgin, pray for us.

PRAISES OF ST. JOSEPH
[These praises may be prayed in thanksgiving for favors received.]
 

IN the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed by thy soul, which was adorned with all the virtues and gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine intellect, which was full of the most sublime knowledge of God and was enlightened with revelations.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thy will, which all inflamed with love for Jesus and Mary and always perfectly conformable to the Divine Will.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine eyes, to which it was granted to look continually upon Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine ears, which merited to hear the sweet words of Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O dear St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy tongue, which continually praised God and with profound humility and reverence conversed with Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O chaste St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy most pure and loving heart, with which thou didst ardently love Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O holy Joseph, ever blessed be thy thoughts, words and actions, each and all of which ever tended to the service of Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be all the moments of thy life, which thou didst spend in the service of Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O my Protector St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment of thy life in which thou didst most sweetly die in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O glorious St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment in which thou didst enter into the eternal joys of Heaven.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O happy St. Joseph, ever blessed in eternity be every moment in which, until now, in union with all the Saints of Heaven, thou hast enjoyed the incomprehensible bliss of union with God, with Jesus and Mary.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O my dear Protector! Be ever blessed by  me and by all creatures, for all eternity, with all the blessings which the Most Holy Trinity bestowed upon thee and with all the benedictions given thee by Jesus and Mary and by the whole Church.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O thrice holy Joseph, blessed in soul and body, in life and death, on earth and in Heaven. Obtain also for me, a poor sinner but nevertheless thy true and faithful client, a share in thy blessings, the grace to imitate thee ardently, and to love and faithfully serve Jesus, Mary, and thyself, and especially the happiness to die in thy holy arms. Amen.

INVOCATIONS TO ST. JOSEPH
By Father Olier

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 hears 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 spouse, 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.

A POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH

This novena has proven to be highly efficacious. It seems to be pleasing to
St. Joseph and helpful to souls.

This form of novena was originally devised by the celebrated Fr. Louis Lallemant, S. J. [1587-1633]. It has proved particularly effective in obtaining favors through the intercession of St. Joseph. In the biography of this saintly priest , Life, we learn that the Saint never refused him anything he asked; the story is told that on one occasion he urged two young priests to make this novena, promising that they would obtain everything they asked through the intercession of St. Joseph if, in turn, they would show him special honor and spread devotion to him among others. Both did as Fr. Lallemant suggested. One of them asked for grace to speak and write worthily of Our Lord. But the next day he came to Fr. Lallemant to tell him that, upon reflection, he wished to ask for a different grace, which he considered more conducive to his perfection. Fr. Lallemant replied, "It is too late now to ask for another grace. The first one has already been granted." This grace was conspicuously displayed throughout the whole course of the priest's life, as he became one of the most noted preachers and writers of his day.

HOW TO MAKE THIS NOVENA

NO PARTICULAR PRAYERS NEED BE SAID FOR THIS NOVENA.
EVERYDAY FOR NINE DAYS, TURN TO ST. JOSEPH IN SPIRIT FOUR
TIMES (CALLED A "VISIT") DURING THE DAY AND HONOR HIM
IN THE FOLLOWING FOUR POINTS:
 

1. During the first visit, consider ST. JOSEPH'S FIDELITY TO GRACE.
Reflect upon the action of the Holy Ghost in his soul. At the conclusion
of this brief meditation, thank god for so honoring St. Joseph,
and ask, through his intercession for a similar grace.

2. Later in the day, consider ST. JOSEPH'S FIDELITY
TO THE INTERIOR LIFE.
Study his spirit of recollection. Think, thank God, and ask.

3. Later still, consider ST. JOSEPH'S LOVE FOR OUR LADY.
Think, thank God, and ask.

4. Finally, in a fourth visit, reflect upon ST. JOSEPH'S LOVE
FOR THE DIVINE CHILD.
Think, thank God, and ask.

PRAYER WHICH MAY BE SAID AT THE CONCLUSION OF
THE VISITS EACH DAY

O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph's great
faithfulness to grace.  Grant that, through his loving intercession
and the power of his example. I too may be faithful to grace.
O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me this favor
I ask. [Name your request.]

O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph's great
faithfulness to the interior life. Grant that, through his loving intercession
and the power of his example. I too may be faithful to the interior life.
O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me this favor
I ask. [Name your request.]

O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph's great
love of Our Lady. Grant that, through his loving intercession
and the power of his example. I too may truly love the Blessed Virgin Mary.
O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me this favor
I ask. [Name your request.]

O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph's great
love for the Divine Child. Grant that, through his loving intercession
and the power of his example. I too may truly love the Child Jesus.
O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me this favor
I ask. [Name your request.]
 

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE HOLY FATHER

MOST POWERFUL Patriarch St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, which has always invoked thee in anxiety and trouble, from the exalted seat of thy glory cast a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. let thy fatherly heart be touched at the sight of the Mystical Spouse and the Vicar of Christ overwhelmed with sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies. Oh, by the bitter anguish thou didst experience upon earth, dry the tears of the venerable Pontiff, defend him, comfort him, intercede for him with the Giver of peace and charity, that, all adversity being removed and all error dissipated, the entire Church may serve God in perfect liberty. Amen.

PRAYER FOR  THE CHURCH MILITANT

O GLORIOUS St. Joseph, chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus, the chaste spouse of Mary ever Virgin and the head of the Holy Family, and then appointed by the Vicar of Christ to be the Heavenly patron and defender of the Church founded by Jesus, most confidently do I implore at this moment thy powerful aid for all the Church Militant on earth. Do thou shield with thy truly paternal love especially the Supreme Pontiff and all the bishops and priests who are in union with the Holy See of Peter. Be the defender of all who labor for souls amidst the trials and tribulations of this life, and cause all the peoples of the earth to submit themselves in a docile spirit to that Church which is the ark of salvation for all men.

Be pleased also, dear St. Joseph, to accept this dedication of myself which I now make unto thee. I dedicate myself wholly to thee, that thou mayest ever be my father, my patron and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a fervent devotion to the interior life. Grant that, following thine 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 thee. Finally, pray for me that i may be a partaker in the peace and joy which were thine at the hour of thy holy death. Amen.

HOLY FAMILY PRAYER

O JESUS, only begotten Son of the Eternal Father, well beloved Son of the Blessed Virgin and foster Child of St. Joseph, we most fervently implore Thee, through Mary Thine ever blessed Mother and St. Joseph Thy foster father, take our children under Thy special charge and enclose them in the love of Thy Sacred Heart. They are the children of Thy Father in Heaven, created after His own image; they are Thy possession, for Thou hast purchased them with Thy Precious Blood; they are temples of the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified them in Baptism and implanted in their hearts the virtues of faith, hope and charity.

O most loving Jesus, rule and guide them, that they may live according to the holy Catholic Faith, that they may never waver in their confidence in Thee and that they may ever remain faithful to Thy love.

O Mary, Blessed Mother of Jesus, grant to our children, a place in thy maternal heart! Spread over them thy protecting mantle when danger threatens their innocence; keep them firm when they are about to stray from the path of virtue; and should they have the misfortune of falling into m mortal sin, oh, then raise them up again, reconcile them with thy Divine Son and restore them to Sanctifying Grace.

And thou, O holy foster father St. Joseph, do not abandon our children! Protect them from the assaults of the wicked enemy and deliver them from all dangers of soul and body.

O dear parents of the Holy Child Jesus! Intercede for us parents also, that we may bring up our children in the love and fear of God and one day attain with them the Beatific Vision. Amen.

OFFERING

O Jesus, Mary and Joseph, accept these three Our Fathers from me, a poor sinner, and grant that my prayer may be pleasing to thee. Let my sighs penetrate to thy hearts, that my petition may be favorably received.

I beseech thee by the faithful love which thou hadst for one another, and by all the compassion thou ever showed to those in distress, show thy love also to me in thy present need, and grant my earnest petition. [Name your request.]

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH TO OBTAIN A CONVERSION

O GLORIOUS PATRIARCH St. Joseph, who merited to be called "just' by the Holy Ghost, I urgently recommend to the soul of [Name], which Jesus redeemed at the price of His Precious Blood.

Thou knowest 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 beseech thee, that a soul so dear to me should continue any longer in its evil ways; preserve it from the danger that threatens it; touch the heart of the prodigal child and conduct him back to the bosom of the fondest of fathers. Abandon him not, I implore thee, till thou hast opened to him the gates of the Heavenly city, where he will praise and bless thee throughout eternity for the happiness which he will owe to thy powerful intercession. Amen.

30 DAY NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH
 

In honor of the years he spent with Jesus and Mary

[For Any Special Intention]

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph, kind and loving father, and helpful friend of all in sorrow! You are the good father and protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow. Look kindly on my request. My sins have drawn down on me the just displeasure of my God, and so I am surrounded with unhappiness. To you, loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth, do I go for help and protection.

Listen, then, I beg you, with fatherly concern, to my earnest prayers, and obtain for me the favors I ask.

I ask it 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 it by the weariness and suffering you endured when you found 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, you had to allow the Queen of Heaven to give birth to the world's Redeemer in a cave.

I ask it by the loveliness and power that sacred, Name
Jesus, which you conferred on the adorable Infant.

I ask it by that painful torture you felt at the prophecy of Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His Holy Mother future victims of our sins and of their great love for us.

I ask it through your sorrow and pain of soul when the angel declared to you that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies.  From their evil plan you had to flee with Him and His Blessed Mother into Egypt.  I ask it by all the suffering, weariness, and labors of that long and dangerous journey.

I ask it by all your care to protect the Sacred Child and His Immaculate Mother during your second journey, when you were ordered to return to your own country. I ask it by your peaceful life in Nazareth where you met so many joys and sorrows.

I ask it by your great distress, when the adorable Child was lost to you and His Mother for three days. I ask it by your joy at finding Him in the Temple, and by the comfort you found at Nazareth, while living in the company of the Child Jesus. I ask it by the wonderful submission He showed in His obedience to you.

I ask it by the perfect love and conformity you showed in accepting the Divine order to depart from this life,  and from the company of Jesus and Mary.  I ask it by the joy which filled your soul, when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and Hell, entered into the possession of His kingdom and led you into it with special honors.

I ask it through Mary's glorious Assumption, and through that endless happiness you share with her in the presence of God.

O good father! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows, and joys, to hear me and obtain for me what I ask. [Here name your petitions or think of them.]

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, St. Joseph, may we lead,
by your patronage from danger freed."

This prayer may be said during any 30 days of the year.

A DAILY PRAYER OF PETITION TO ST. JOSEPH

BELOVED Saint Joseph, adopt me as thy child.
Take care of my salvation and watch over me day and night, preserve from the occasion of sin, and obtain for me purity of soul and body!

Through thy intercession with Jesus, grant me a spirit of sacrifice, of humility, of self-denial, a great love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a tender love for Mary, my Mother.

Saint Joseph, be with me living, be with me dying, and obtain for me a favorable judgment from Jesus, my merciful Savior.

A Boy Sweetheart's Daily Prayer

O St. Joseph, Model of justice, and therefore of husbands,
I beseech Thee to direct me in my choice of a future wife. Grant me especially wisdom and deliberation in this choice. Make both my friendship and courtship especially chaste, unselfish, prudent, thrifty, and cheerful. Be my companion in single as well as in wedded life.

A Girl Sweetheart's Daily Prayer

O Mary, Model of pure love, and therefore of sweethearts, I beseech Thee to direct me in my choice of a future husband. Grant me especially wisdom and deliberation in this choice. Make both my friendship and courtship chaste, unselfish, prudent, thrifty, and cheerful. Be my companion in single as well as in wedded life.

AN ANCIENT PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH

O ST. JOSEPH, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy 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 me.

THIS PRAYER WAS FOUND IN THE 5OTH YEAR OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. IN 1505 IT WAS SENT FROM THE POPE TO EMPEROR CHARLES WHEN HE WAS GOING INTO BATTLE. WHOEVER SHALL READ THIS PRAYER OR HEAR IT OR KEEP IT ABOUT THEMSELVES SHALL NEVER DIE A SUDDEN DEATH OR BE DROWNED, NOR SHALL POISON TAKE EFFECT ON THEM -- NEITHER SHALL THEY FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY OR BE BURNED IN ANY FIRE OR BE OVERPOWERED IN BATTLE. SAY FOR NINE MORNINGS FOR ANYTHING YOU DESIRE. IT HAS NEVER BEEN KNOWN TO FAIL, PROVIDED THAT THE REQUEST IS FOR ONE'S SPIRITUAL BENEFIT OR FOR THOSE WHOM WE ARE PRAYING FOR.
 

WE PUBLISHED THE ABOVE CLAIM WHICH USUALLY ACCOMPANIES THE PRINTED PRAYER,
ALTHOUGH WE DO NOT KNOW OF ITS AUTHORITATIVE SOURCE.

FROM FAVORITE PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH, TAN BOOKS.

THE MEMORARE OF ST. JOSEPH

REMEMBER, O most illustrious Patriarch St. Joseph, on the testimony of St. Teresa, thy devoted client, never hath it been heard that anyone who has invoked thy protection or sought thy mediation has not obtained relief. In this confidence I come before thee, my loving protector, chaste Spouse of Mary, Foster-father of the Saviour of men and dispenser of the treasures of His Sacred Heart. Despise not my earnest prayer but graciously hear and obtain my petition. [Mention your request.]

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH

O DEAREST St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to thy honor and give myself to thee, that thou mayest always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a great purity of heart and a fervent love of the interior life. After thine example, may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary! And do thou, O blessed St. Joseph, pray for me that I may share in the peace and joy of thy holy death. Amen.

ANOTHER ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH

O BLESSED JOSEPH, foster father of my Savior and chaste spouse of the mother of God, this day I irrevocably adopt thee for my intercessor with the Almighty as well as my model, my protector and my father in this valley of exile. O St. Joseph,  whom the Lord constituted guardian of His Family, I beseech thee to extender thy tender solicitude over all my interests. Kindle in my heart a vehement love for Jesus and enable me to serve Him with all thy devotedness and fidelity. Aid my inability to venerate Mary as my advocate, to honor her as my Queen and to love her as my Mother. Be my never-failing guide in the way of virtue and piety, and grant that, after having faithfully followed thee in the path of justice, I may receive thy powerful protection at the hour of my death. Amen.

THE CORD OF ST. JOSEPH
 

The devotion to the Cord of St. Joseph took its rise in the town of Antwerp, Belgium, in 1637, in consequence of a miraculous cure effected by the wearing of this precious girdle. At that time there lived there an Augustinian nun of great piety, named Sr. Elizabeth, who had suffered for three years excruciating pains occasioned by a cruel distemper. She had reached such a stage that the doctors, seeing no possible recourse, declared her death to be inevitable and imminent. Sr. Elizabeth turned to Heaven, and having always been particularly devoted to St. Joseph, she asked him to intercede to Our Lord for her recovery. At the same time she had a cord blessed in the Saint's honor, girded herself with it, a few days after, as she prayed before st. Joseph's image, she felt herself suddenly free of the pain. Those who were acquainted with her illness declared her recovery miraculous; an act of authenticity was drawn up with a public notary and the doctor, who happened to be a Protestant, concurred. The miracle was recorded and published at Verona and Rome between 1810-42. During the month of March of the latter year, the Devotion to the Cord came into existence. Cords were blessed in the Church of St. Nicholas, Verona, for hospital patients.

The chapel in the church is dedicated to St. Joseph. Numerous special graces were obtained and the devotion spread to France, all parts of Italy and even to America and Asia. The cord was invoked, not merely as a remedy against physical ailments, but also as a preservative of the virtue of purity.

The Bishop of Verona became aware of the necessity of addressing a supplication to the Congregation of Rites, which he did by letter on January 14, 1859. After a mature examination the Sacred Congregation, in accordance with the request, approved on September 19 of that year, the new formula of blessing and permitted its solemn and private use. Finally the Bishop obtained for the Association of the Cord the privilege of being declared 'primarie," and at the same time His Holiness, Pope Pius IX enriched it with special indulgences.

GRACES ATTACHED TO THE WEARING OF THE CORD

Graces precious to the piety of St. Joseph's servants are attached to the
wearing of this cord. They are:
1. St. Joseph's special protection;
2. Purity of soul;
3. The grace of chastity;
4. Final perseverance;
5. Particular assistance at the hour of death.

NATURE OF THE CORD AND THE MANNER OF WEARING IT

The Cord of St. Joseph should be of thread or cotton, ending at one extremity
in seven knots, indicative of the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph. It is worn as a girdle for purity or chastity and humility and around the shoulders for obedience. It ought to be blessed by a priest with the faculties for this blessing. Pius IX approved a special formula for the blessing of the cord of St. Joseph. [See a copy 1964 Roman Ritual-----we do not have one here, sorry].

WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR CORD, IT WILL BE A LONG CORD WITH A KNOT AT EACH END.
AT ONE END YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE 6 KNOTS TO ADD TO THE ONE ALREADY THERE. THIS IS THE PART OF THE CORD THAT HANGS FREE AFTER TYING ABOUT THE WAIST OR SHOULDER.
 

CONDITIONS FOR GAINING THE INDULGENCES

1. Be truly contrite, confess and communicate the day of investiture or wearing it for the first time.
2. If possible visit the church of the Association or an other oratory, if not,  and to pray for peace between  Christian princes or rulers, the extirpation of heresies, and the exaltation of Holy Mother Church.
3. Must be affiliated with the Church of San Rocco at Rome. We do not know how binding this is for Americans or how to contact them. We have provided a link to the Company that distributes the Cord in the U.S. Someone one there may know how to contact that church.
All the indulgences are applicable to the Holy Souls.
 

ROSE SCAPULAR CO.
    - IS THE DISTRIBUTOR AND VENDOR
LEAFLET MISSAL CO.
- ANOTHER VENDOR OF THE CORD
 

THE PRAYERS AND SPECIAL INDULGENCES
OF THE CORD OF ST. JOSEPH

RECITE DAILY SEVEN TIMES THE GLORY BE, TOGETHER WITH THE
FOLLOWING PRAYER, WHICH IS THE PRAYER FOR PURITY
 

O GUARDIAN of Virgins and holy Father St. Joseph, into
whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence
Itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these
dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness,
I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.

YOU ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO MEDITATE ON THE SEVEN SORROWS AND JOYS, ADDING AN OUR FATHER, HAIL MARY, AND GLORY BE AFTER EACH MEDITATION .
PLENARY INDULGENCES ATTACHED TO THE CORD

1. On the day of entrance into the Association.
2. On the day of the Feast of the Espousals of the Blessed Virgin
and St. Joseph [Jan. 23].
3. On the 19th of March, the Feast of St. Joseph, and on one of the seven days which immediately follow.
4. On the Feast of the Patronage of St. Joseph [3rd Sunday after Easter].
5. Upon death for members of the Association who are truly penitent, have confessed their sins and received Holy viaticum; or not being able to do, having invoked by mouth or in the heart, the Name of Jesus.

Prayer for Priests

O ILLUSTRIOUS PATRIARCH St. Joseph, who carried the Infant Jesus
in thy blessed arms and who, during the space of thirty years, lived in
the most intimate familiarity with Him, take under thy powerful protection
those whom He has clothed with His authority and honored with with the
dignity of His priesthood, whom He has charged to continue His mission,
to preach His Gospel, and to dispense everywhere His graces
and blessings. Sustain them in their fatigues and labors; console
them in their pains; fortify them in their combats; but above all,
keep far from them all the evils of sin.

Obtain for them the humility of St. John the Baptist, the faith of
St. Peter, the zeal and charity of St. Paul, the purity of St. John
and the spirit of prayer and recollection of  which thou, my
dear Saint, art the model, so that, after having been on earth,
the faithful dispensers of the Mysteries of thy foster Son,
Our Lord Jesus Christ, they may in Heaven receive the
recompense promised to pastors according to the
Heart of God. Amen.

From the Booklet, Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph
TAN BOOKS AND PUBLISHERS

PRAYER OF CONFIDENCE IN ST. JOSEPH

With childlike confidence I present myself before thee, O holy Joseph, faithful foster father of Jesus! I beg thy compassionate intercession and support in this, my present necessity. [Name your petition.]

I firmly believe that thou art most powerful near the throne of God, Who chose thee 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 thy child. Assist me in my present difficulty with thy prayers before God. The infinite goodness of our Savior, Who loved and honored thee as His father upon earth, cannot refuse thee any request now in Heaven.

How many pious souls have sought help, from thee in their needs and have experienced, to their joy, how good, how ready thou art to assist. How quickly thou dost turn to those who call upon thee with confidence! How powerful thou art in bringing help and restoring joy to anxious and dejected hearts! Therefore, do I fly to thee, O most worthy father of Jesus, most chaste spouse of Mary! Good St. Joseph, I pray thee by the burning love thou hadst for Jesus and Mary upon earth, console me in my distress and present my petition, through Jesus and Mary, before the Throne of God! One word from thee will move Him to assist my afflicted soul. Then most joyfully shall I praise Him and thee, and more earnest shall be my thanksgiving! Amen.

THE PRACTICE OF THE NINE FIRST WEDNESDAYS

A Devotion Promulgated by the Pious Union of St. Joseph

Every Wednesday is dedicated in a special way to St. Joseph. Make the
Nine First Wednesdays (in a manner similar to the Nine First Fridays
of the Sacred Heart) in honor of St. Joseph for a happy death, for yourself
and your dear ones. As charity is one of the best ways to be worthy of
the grace of a happy death, offer your First Wednesday Mass and Communion and devotions in honor of St. Joseph in a special way for the salvation of the dying, most especially for an undying sinner who is to lose his soul without the grace of final repentance.

Our Lord permits St. Joseph to take from His Divine treasury with full hands in order to give souls the treasures of Divine grace and mercy, like Joseph, the son of Jacob, who took corn from the granaries of the King of Egypt to feed his brethren and all who had recourse to him. From the heights of Heaven, the King of Glory speaks to us the same words as Pharao spoke to the starving people of Egypt: "Go to Joseph."

THE GO TO JOSEPH PRAYER

I
IN the miseries of this vale of tears, to whom shall we have recourse, O blessed Joseph, if not to thee, to whom thy beloved spouse Mary entrusted all her rich treasures, that thou might keep them to our advantage? "go to my spouse, Joseph," Mary seems to say to us, "and he will comfort you, he will deliver you from the misfortunes which now oppress you and will make you happy and contented" Have pity on us, therefore, O St. Joseph; have pity on us through that love which thou didst cherish toward a spouse so worthy and amiable.

Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .

II
We are fully conscious that we have offended the justice of God by our sins and deserve His most severe chastisements. Not what shall be our place of refuge? "go to Joseph," Jesus seems to say to us; "Go to Joseph, in whom I was well pleased and whom I had for My foster father. To him, as to a father, I have communicated all power, that he may use it for your good according to his own desire." Pity us, therefore, O blessed Joseph, pity us, for the great love thou didst bear toward a Son so admirable and so dear.

Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .

III
Unhappily the sins we have committed call down upon the heaviest scourges: this we must confess. In what ark shall we take refuge in order to be saved? Where shall we find the blessed rainbow that shall give us comfort and hope in the midst of our afflictions? "Go to Joseph," the Eternal father seems to say to us: "Go to him who took My place on earth with regard to My Son made man. I entrusted to his keeping My Son, who is the unfailing source of grace; therefore, every grace is in his hands." Pity us, then, dear St. Joseph, pity us by thy great love for Almighty God, Who has been so generous to thee.

Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .

LITANY OF SAINT JOSEPH

 For public or private use.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. 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.
Illustrious son of David, etc.
Light of the patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Watchful defender of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most valiant,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of workmen ,
Glory of domestic life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the afflicted,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. He made him the lord of His household,
R. And prince over all His possessions.

Let Us Pray.

O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst choose
Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most Holy Mother, grant that
as we venerate him as our protector on earth, we may deserve to have
him as our intercessor in Heaven, Thou Who livest and reignest
forever and ever. R. Amen.
 

St. Joseph: Foster-Father of Jesus and Patron of the Universal Church:

St. Joseph was of royal descent of the line of David, and was probably born in Bethlehem.
He practiced carpentry in Nazareth, and there married the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem for a census, and there Our Lady gave birth
to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who had been conceived of the Holy Ghost. St. Joseph,
foster-father of Our Lord, probably died before Our Lord's Passion and death. St. Joseph
is the Patron of the Universal Church, Patron of the Dying, Patron of a Happy Death, etc.
 

LITANY TO ST. JOSEPH FOR A DYING PERSON
[For private use only.]

Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us. 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 Ghost, etc.
Holy Trinity, one God,

St. Joseph, foster father of Christ,
we beseech thee, hear us.
St. Joseph, patron of the dying,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him (her) forgiveness of his (her) sins,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him (her) great patience,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him (her) a perfect resignation,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him (her) a living and unshaken faith,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him (her) a firm confidence,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him (her) ardent charity,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Avert from him the attacks of the enemy,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Protect him from the temptations that assail him,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Preserve him from despondency and despair,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him the grace of Jesus Christ,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Assist him and do not abandon him,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Come to his aid in his weakness,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Assist him in his abandonment,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him a happy death,
we beseech thee, hear us.
Obtain for him a merciful judgment,
we beseech thee, hear us.

Conduct his soul to the vision of Jesus,
there to obtain mercy for him. Amen.

THE BODY AND TOMB OF ST. JOSEPH

"In an ecstasy, a saint has seen the body of St. Joseph preserved intact in a tomb, the site of which is yet unknown. The more the glorious spouse  of the most Blessed Virgin Mary is honored, the sooner will the finding of his body take place, which will be a day of great joy for the Church."

[Words of Fr. Paul of Moll, 1824-1896, from Father Paul of Moll,
by Edward van Speybrouck, p. 238].

An ancient tradition states that the tomb of St. Joseph, now empty, is in the Valley of Josaphat. St. Jerome, on the other hand, was of the opinion that St. Joseph's tomb is within the boundaries of the Garden of Gethsemane.
[Source: The Life and Glories of St. Joseph,
by Edward H. Thompson, pp. 409-410]

The answer to this mystery remains exactly that to this day.

FOR THE DYING, A HOLY DEATH
and the HOLY SOULS

THE REASONS ST. JOSEPH IS
THE PATRON OF THE DYING

There are three reasons why St. Joseph is the special patron of the dying:

1) He is the foster father of the Eternal Judge, Who can refuse him no request.
2) He is terrible to the demons; the Church calls him
the Terror of demons and Conqueror of Hell.
3) His own death was most beautiful, for he died in the arms
of Jesus and Mary; this is the principal reason why he is the
patron of a happy death; the death no other Saint was so happy,
so glorious. St. Francis de Sales was of the opinion that
St. Joseph died of the love of God; St. Alphonsus Liguori
considered this most reasonable.

PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH

O Glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special
patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase
in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God.
Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my
death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have
time to confess my sins sacramentally and to bewail them
with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere and
perfect contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul
into the hands of Jesus and Mary. Amen

ANOTHER PRAYER FOR A HAPPY DEATH

O BLESSED JOSEPH, who yielded up thy last breath in the arms
of Jesus and Mary, obtain for me this grace, O holy Joseph,
that I may breathe forth my soul in praise, saying in spirit,
if I am unable to do so in words:
"Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul."
Amen.

A SHORT PRAYER FOR THE DYING

The Special Prayer of the Pious Union of St. Joseph
 

O St. JOSEPH, foster father of the Child Jesus and true spouse
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us and for the dying of this
day (or this night). Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE AGONIZING

O St. JOSEPH, protector of those in agony, take pity on those
who at this very moment when I pray to thee are engaged in
their last combat.

O blessed Joseph, take pity on my soul too when the hour of
the final battle shall arrive for me. Then, O my holy patron, do
not abandon me, but grant me thine assistance; show that thou
art my good father, and obtain that my Divine Savior may receive
me with mercy into that abode where the elect enjoy a life
that shall never end. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SOULS IN THE AGONY OF DEATH

ETERNAL Father, by the love Thou bearest toward St. Joseph,
who was chosen by Thee from among all men to exercise Thy
divine fatherhood over the Thy Son made Man, have mercy on
us and upon all poor souls who are in their agony.
Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .

ETERNAL Son of God, by the love Thou bearest toward
St. Joseph, who was Thy most faithful guardian upon earth,
have mercy on us and upon all poor souls who are in their agony.
Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .

ETERNAL Spirit of God, by the love Thou bearest toward
St. Joseph, who guarded with such tender care most holy Mary,
Thy beloved spouse, have mercy on us and upon all poor souls who are in their agony.
Our Father . . . Hail Mary . . . Glory Be . . .

JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

JESUS, Mary and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, assist me in my last agony.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in
peace with thee.
 

FROM FAVORITE PRAYERS TO ST. JOSEPH, TAN BOOKS

INDULGENCED PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH TO BE
SAID ESPECIALLY AFTER THE ROSARY
 

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction,
and having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we
now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly beg thee
also to take us under thy protection. By that charity, wherewith
thou were united to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God,
and by that fatherly love, with which thou didst cherish the
Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou
wilt look down with gracious eyes upon that inheritance
which Jesus Christ purchased by His Blood, and wilt succor
us in our need by thy power and strength.
Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy family, the
chosen offspring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most
loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on
high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers
of darkness, and even as of old, thou didst rescue the Child
Jesus from the peril of His life, so no defend God's Holy
Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity.
Shield us ever under thy patronage, that, imitating thy example
and strengthened by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a
happy death, and attain everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.

---From THE PURGATORIAN MANUAL
of the Purgatorian Society

ASPIRATIONS FOR THE DYING

[To be pronounced in the presence of a dying person]

O God, be gracious to me; O God, have mercy on me;
O God, forgive me my sins!

O God the Father, have mercy on me;
O Jesus, be gracious to me;
O Holy Spirit, strengthen me!
 

O God the Father, do not reject me; O Jesus, do not
abandon me; O God the Holy Spirit, do not forsake me!

O my God, into Thy hands I commend my spirit;
O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! O jesus,
Son of Mary, have mercy on me!

O Jesus, I believe in Thee; O Jesus I hope in Thee;
O Jesus, I love Thee!

O Jesus, I place all my trust in Thy bitter Passion!

O Jesus, in Thy Sacred Wounds I hide myself!

O Jesus, I enclose myself in Thy Sacred Heart!

Holy Mary, Mother of God, assist me!

Holy Mary, protect me from the evil spirit!

Holy Mary, turn thine eyes of mercy upon me!

O Mary, Mother of mercy, obtain grace for me
from thy dear Son!

Come to my aid, O Mary, in this my anguish and need!

O Mary, enclose me in thy virginal Heart!

O Mary, commend me to thy Son, present me to thy
Son, reconcile me with thy Son!

St. Joseph, obtain for me grace and mercy!

St. Joseph, assist me in my struggle against the enemy
of my salvation!

St. Joseph, to thee do I entrust my soul: do thou save it
for me!

St. Joseph, remember me, and obtain mercy for me!

O holy Guardian Angel, do not abandon me, but
combat for me and preserve me from the evil one!

My dear Patron Saints, pray for me!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, into Thy hands I commend my spirit!

ST. JOSEPH, ADVOCATE OF THE DYING AND THE SINNER,
PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO THEE.

PRAYER FOR A HEAVENLY CROWN

O ST. JOSEPH, virgin father of Jesus and most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray every day for us to the same Jesus, the Son of God, that being defended by the power of His grace and striving dutifully in life, we may be crowned by Him at the hour of death. Amen.

THE VISION OF ST. GERTRUDE

Once, on the Feast of the Annunciation, St. Gertrude had a vision during which the Heavenly Mother revealed to her the glory of her spouse, St. Joseph, in order to awaken in the Saint a greater love for him and to encourage her to have confidence in his intercession. Of this vision St. Gertrude wrote:

"I saw Heaven opened and St. Joseph sitting upon a magnificent throne. I felt myself wonderfully affected when, each time his name was mentioned, all the Saints made a profound inclination toward him, showing by the serenity and sweetness of their looks that they rejoiced with him on account of his exalted dignity."

From the Booklet, Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph
TAN BOOKS AND PUBLISHERS

THE DEVOTION OF THE SEVEN SORROWS
AND JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH

1. O chaste Spouse of Mary most holy, glorious St. Joseph, great was the trouble and anguish of thy heart when thou wert minded to put away privately thine inviolate Spouse, yet thy joy was unspeakable when the surpassing mystery of the Incarnation was made known to thee by the Angel!

By this sorrow and this joy, we beseech thee to comfort our souls, both now and in the sorrows of our final hour, with the joy of a good life and a holy death after the pattern of thine own, in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

2. O most blessed Patriarch, glorious St. Joseph, who was chosen to be the foster father of the Word made flesh, thy sorrow at seeing the Child Jesus born in such poverty was suddenly changed into heavenly exultation when thou didst hear the angelic hymn and beheld the glories of that resplendent night.
By this sorrow and this joy, we implore thee to obtain for us the grace to pass over from life's pathway to hear the angelic songs of praise, and to rejoice in the shining splendor of celestial glory.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

3. O glorious St. Joseph, thou faithfully obeyed the law of God, and thy heart was pierced at the sight of the Precious Blood that was shed by the Infant Savior during His Circumcision, but the Name of Jesus gave thee new life and filled thee with quiet joy.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us the grace to be freed from all sin during life, and to die rejoicing, with the Holy Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

4. O most faithful Saint who shared the mysteries of our Redemption, glorious St. Joseph, the prophecy of Simeon regarding the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused thee to shudder with mortal dread, but at the same time filled thee with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious which, he foretold, would be attained by countless souls.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that we may be among the number of those, who through merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

5. O most watchful Guardian of the Incarnate Son of God, glorious St. Joseph, what toil was thine in supporting and waiting upon the Son of the most high God, especially in the flight into Egypt! Yet at the same time, how thou didst rejoice to have always near you God Himself, and to see the idols of the Egyptians fall prostrate to the ground before Him.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us the grace of keeping ourselves in safety from the infernal tyrant, especially by flight from dangerous occasions; may every idol of earthly affection fall from our hearts; may we be wholly employed in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

6. O glorious St. Joseph, an angel on earth, thou didst marvel to see the King of Heaven obedient to thy commands, but thy consolation in bringing Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by the fear of Archelaus; nevertheless, being assured by the Angel, thou dwelt in gladness at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.

By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that our hearts may be delivered from harmful fears, so that we may rejoice in peace of conscience and may live in safety with Jesus and Mary and may, like thee, die in their company.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

7. O glorious St. Joseph, pattern of all holiness, when thou didst lose, through no fault of thine own, the Child Jesus, thou sought Him sorrowing for the space of three days, until with great joy, thou didst find Him again in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors.

By this sorrow and this joy, we supplicate thee, with our hearts upon our lips, to keep us from ever having the misfortune to lose Jesus through mortal sin; but if this supreme misfortune should befall us, grant that we may seek Him with unceasing sorrow until we find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; so that we may pass over to enjoy His presence in Heaven; and there in company with thee, may we sing the praises of His Divine mercy forever.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be . . .

Antiphon. And Jesus Himself was beginning about the age of thirty,
being the Son of Joseph.
V. Pray for us, O holy Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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. Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

THE CHAPLET OF ST. JOSEPH

This chaplet is divided into fifteen groups of four beads consisting of one white and three purple beads. The white bead symbolizes St. Joseph's purity, and the purple his Saintly piety. A mystery of the Rosary is considered on each white bead, and two Hail Marys are said. On the purple beads say:

Praised and blessed be Jesus, Mary and Joseph!

End the chaplet with the following prayer:

V. Pray for us, O holy St. Joseph!
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ!

Let us pray

   O God, Who has predestined St. Joseph from all eternity for the service of Thine Eternal Son and His Blessed Mother, and made him worthy to be the spouse of this Blessed Virgin and the foster father of Thy Son: we beseech Thee, through all the services he has rendered to Jesus and Mary on earth, that Thou wouldst make us worthy of his intercession and grant us to enjoy the happiness of his company in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The 15 Mysteries of the Rosary:

1. The Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary
[The Angel's annunciation to Joseph in a dream ought to be also considered here.]
2. The Visitation of Mary to St. Elizabeth
3. The Nativity
4. The Presentation in the Temple
[The Circumcision of Our Lord may be considered here, too.]
5. The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple
6. The Agony in the Garden
7. The Scourging at the Pillar
8. The Crowning with Thorns
9. The Carrying of the Cross
10. Jesus' Death on the Cross
11. The Resurrection of Our Lord
12. The Ascension of Our Lord
13. The Descent of the Holy Ghost
14. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
15. The Coronation of the Virgin

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