St. Joseph’s protective presence with Mary and little Jesus
Bronze relief on Apparition Hill by Professor Carmelo Puzzolo
May 1, 2020
St. Joseph the Worker
Dear Family of Mary!
Today is the Optional Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker. St. Joseph is Our Lady’s silent partner! His gentle, protective and holy presence in the earthly life of Jesus speaks volumes to us, even though he never spoke a word in the Scriptures. St. Joseph was there for Jesus and Mary. He chose to be their protector and provider, the one who would stand as a shield for them from the enemy and all who might harm them. We can feel his protection so clearly present in the infancy narratives. It makes us give a sigh of relief. St. Joseph was there.
He is also here for us. Though we may not hear from him directly, we instinctively know to go to him for help, especially in practical matters. And especially when we need virtues and strengths we haven’t developed yet.
And so today, let’s pray to St. Joseph for all those things we lack, especially in the area of virtue. Our Lady has urged us to take the saints as our models and teachers. Certainly, she has St. Joseph in mind! She told us:
October 25, 2004 “Dear children! This is a time of grace for the family and, therefore, I call you to renew prayer. May Jesus be in the heart of your family. In prayer, learn to love everything that is holy. Imitate the lives of saints so that they may be an incentive and teachers on the way of holiness. May every family become a witness of love in this world without prayer and peace. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Let us pray to St. Joseph today for all that we need, especially for holiness in our families!!
Litany of St. 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 Scion of David,
Illustrious Scion of David,
Light of 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,
Example to parents,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the afflicted,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of the 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.
V. He made him lord over his house,
R. And the ruler of all his possessions.
Let us pray.
Lord Jesus Christ,
by your ineffable providence
you chose saint Joseph
to be the spouse of your most holy Mother:
grant, we beseech you,
that we may have him for an intercessor in heaven,
as we venerate him as our protector on earth.
You who live and reign forever and ever. R. Amen.
Here is another beautiful prayer to St. Joseph:
To you, O Blessed Joseph, we come in our trials, and having asked the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently ask your patronage also. Through that sacred bond of charity which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the fatherly love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his blood, and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength.
O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin. Our most mighty Protector, graciously assist us from heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness. And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2020
