MARY, OUR MOTHER

SAINT JOSEPH
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Confessor

Patron of the Universal Church

Joseph, a member of the royal family of David, was leading the obscure life of a village carpenter when God chose him to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of the Incarnate Word. Scripture tells us that Joseph was just, pure, gentle, prudent, and a lover of holy silence. Above all, this humble guardian of the Child Jesus was unfailingly obedient to the divine will.

Joseph is not mentioned after he and Mary lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in the Temple and, following three days of agonized search, found their boy discoursing divinely with the learned doctors of the Law. The great task of the foster father of Christ must have been finished before the marriage feast at Cana and the beginning of the Savior's public ministry. Untold millions have since then invoked St. Joseph as the patron of a happy death.

ENTRANCE HYMN (Ps. 91:13-14)

The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar of Lebanon planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Ps. 91:2. It is good to praise the Lord, and to sing to Your name, O Most High. V. Glory be . . .

TRADITIONAL PRAYER

O Lord, may the merits of the spouse of Your most Holy Mother assist us, so that what we cannot obtain through our own efforts we may have through his intercession; who lives and rules with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Saint Joseph has always been one of my favorites! I've asked his assistance every day for the past 40 years that I will be a good father, husband, and have the virtue of chastity according to my state in life. I'm sure that without his intercession for me, I would have turned out quit different than I am. Thank you Saint Joseph!!!This Feast was a special day in New York. Us Italians made a big deal out of St. Joseph's Day, maybe because the Irish just went wild with their St. Patrick! Of course we were more subdued. There was no parade, and no parties at the local pub; it was more solemn and special. I remember looking forward to the St. Joseph's Bread that the ladies made at home. These loaves were brought to church to be blessed after the Mass celebrated in honor of St. Joseph. Then they were distributed to all the people there and what was left over was given to the homeless or homebound. These were good memories!

Here is an ancient prayer to Saint Joseph that is supposed to keep you from sudden death, nor be drowned, nor be burned in fire, if it it carried and recited.

Saint Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh Saint
Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son, all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanks-giving and homage to the most loving of fathers. Oh Saint Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your 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. Saint Joseph, Patron of the departing souls, pray for us. Amen.