Saint Joseph Novena
The Saint Joseph Novena honors the foster father of Jesus and spouse of Mary. It is traditionally prayed March 10-18, ending on his solemnity.
Saint Joseph Novena - Day 1
Saint Joseph Novena - Day 1
Opening Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Glorious Saint 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 a happy death and the special favor we now implore.
(Mention your intention.)
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be...
Joseph the Just Man
"Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to send her away quietly." (Matthew 1:19)
Scripture calls Joseph a just man---the highest praise the Old Testament could bestow. His justice was not a cold legalism but a living righteousness rooted in mercy and faith. When faced with a mystery he could not understand, he chose compassion over condemnation. He trusted God even before the angel spoke.
Saint Joseph, model of justice, teach us to act with integrity in every circumstance, to choose mercy when we are confused, and to trust in God's providence when the path ahead is hidden from our eyes.
Prayer
O Saint Joseph, you who were called just by the Holy Spirit himself, help us to walk in uprightness before God and neighbor. Obtain for us the grace of a tender conscience, a heart inclined to mercy, and the courage to do what is right even when it costs us dearly. You trusted the Lord in darkness; help us to do the same. Amen.
Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, 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. Saint Joseph, pray for us. Noble offspring of David, pray for us. Light of 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. Watchful defender of Christ, pray for us. Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Closing Prayer
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession was left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power, I fly to you and beg your protection. Despise not, O foster father of the Redeemer, my humble supplication, but in your bounty hear and answer me. Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!