Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 40 The Proper Amount of Drink

Mass: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16; Resp Ps 89; Rm 4:13, 16-18, 22; Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

The son of David will live forever.

SAINT JOSEPH, PROTECTOR OF THE HOLY CHURCH,

PRAY FOR US.

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. 

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

(Mt 1:16)

Put simply, this is a most glorious Solemnity to commemorate Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A few suggestions for today. First, pray with one of the prayers included below. Second, look to the Litany of Saint Joseph. Invoke this most humble, courageous, strong and faithful man to intercede for you and your loved ones. 

Glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph, whose power makes the impossible possible, come to my aid in these times of anguish and difficulty. Take under your protection the serious and troubling situations that I commend to you, that they may have a happy outcome. My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power.

Amen.

(Taken from a 19^th century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary. Pope Francis has recited this prayer after Lauds, every day, for over 40 years.)

Haid, Guardian of the Redeemer,

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

To you God entrusted His only Son;

in you Mary placed her trust;

with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,

show yourself a father

and guide us in the path of life.

Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,

and defend us from every evil.

Amen.

(Pope Francis, Patris Corde, December 8, 2020)

Remember us, Saint Joseph, and plead for us to your foster-child. Ask your most holy bride, the Virgin Mary, to look kindly upon us, since she is the mother of Him who with the Father and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns eternally. Amen.

(From a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena, priest, in Office of Readings, March 19)

United in faith and prayer, we pray for peace in our hearts; for peace in our families; for peace in our Church; for peace in our world. Saint Joseph, terror of demons, pray for us. 

JOSEPH, MOST STRONG,

PRAY FOR US.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US. 

Today's photo: Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus, through the hand of Sister Suzanne, ocso. Saint Joseph, patron of artisans, pray for us. 

© Gertrude Feick 2022