NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH

Saint Joseph - The Foster Father of Jesus, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary... the Patron of the universal Church...  He's most remembered for his quote: "  " (that's a joke, he has absolutely no quoted words in scripture)

St. Joseph has been an inspiration to me for over 25 years now (with much thanks to my pastor, Fr. Eugene Marcone who brought this devotion to our parish all those years ago).  He's been a "model of chastity"; challenged me to be a "protector of the Church" and in many other ways.

He's also been a powerful intercessor for me and my family.  Many intentions that I've asked for his prayers for have been answered in a variety of ways. 

The following is one variation of the Novena - it is to be prayed each day for 9 days (that's what the word "novena" means - 9 days -- and lest people argue with you, it's a biblically based, scripturally founded devotion.  The first "Novena" was when Jesus told his apostles on Ascension Thursday to gather in prayer and await the Holy Spirit - who came upon them on Pentecost... 9 days later!)

I begin this devotion on MARCH 10th - to finish the EVE of ST. JOSEPH'S FEAST DAY on MARCH 19th - but you can begin it on the 11th and pray it through the feast day as well.

In addition, this Novena can be added to some of your daily prayers and devotions.

SAINT JOSEPH PRAY FOR US!!!



In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Amen
O Lord, open my lips.
And my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
O God come to my assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end, AMEN
NOVENA PRAYER:

O Glorious St. Joseph / Faithful follower of Jesus Christ / to you 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 happy death / and the special favor we now implore

(Here pause for your intentions).

O guardian of the Word Incarnate / we feel animated with confidence / that your prayers in our behalf / will be graciously heard / before the throne of God.
 
 
LITANY OF SAINT JOSEPH
 
 
 
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.
Holy Joseph, pray for us.
Noble scion of David, pray for us.
Light of the Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Sedulous defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.

Joseph, most just, pray for us.
Joseph, most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph, most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph, most valiant, pray for us.
Joseph, most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.

Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of workers, pray for us.
Ornament of domestic life, pray for us.
Protector of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of families, pray for us.
Consolation of the afflicted, pray for us.
 Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of the demons, pray for us.
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.


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 master of His House,
And ruler of all His possessions
 
O God / who in Your ineffable providence / did vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph / to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother / grant we beseech You / that we may have him whom we venerate on earth / as our intercessor in heaven / Who lives and reigns forever and ever. AMEN.