March 20 - Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

March 19 is the traditional date of St. Joseph’s Feast-day but since yesterday was Sunday, we celebrate St. Joseph (liturgically) today. Several years ago, I came upon a prayer to St. Joseph from the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal, Canada. I was so blessed by it, I’ve continued to pray it each morning, so I invite you all to pray on this Feast of dear St. Joseph, spouse of Mary and Protector of the Child Jesus:

St. Joseph - Man of Unshakable Hope

Powerful St. Joseph, in the course of your life you shone forth as a man of hope. In the midst of trials and difficulties such as the distressing circumstances of Jesus’ birth, the flight into Egypt, and exile in a foreign land, your only strength sprang from your unshakable hope in the goodness, the power and the fidelity of God.

Trustingly, I look to you today. Because you are so close to God, your are in a position to join your prayers with mine. Beg your Son to sustain me in the trials that comfort me at this time. Help me to overcome my sorrows by giving me the same strength that allowed you to carry on in the midst of difficulties. May the guiding light of hope lead me through my trials to the comforting presence of the Father. Amen.

St. Joseph pray for us and for all the families of the world.

 

[Garyjohn2]

March 19 is the traditional date of St. Joseph’s Feast-day but since yesterday was Sunday, we celebrate St. Joseph (liturgically) today.

Thank you so much for clearing that up. I was getting really confused by the mention of St. Joe’s day on the 19th at mass and online, yet my calendar says it’s the 20th.

Makes sense now.

 

[johnnyc176]

The 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 .
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.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Adding my voice to this prayer…Saint Joseph pray for me!

 

[MariaChristi]

Thank you so much for clearing that up. I was getting really confused by the mention of St. Joe’s day on the 19th at mass and online, yet my calendar says it’s the 20th.

Makes sense now.

Dear Garyjohn, johnnyc, and Crusaderbear,

Thank you both for your replies. May we honor dear St. Joseph today and every day.
St. Joseph, protector of Mary and Jesus, protect us all by your powerful intercession.