Saint Joseph, Intercede for Me

Today is the feast of the foster father of Jesus, Saint Joseph. Protector, companion, dedicated worker, holy husband and father, hear us and help us to open our hearts to the Lord.

The new pope today focused on Saint Joseph in the homily of his inaugural Mass, saying, “I thank the Lord that I can celebrate this Holy Mass for the inauguration of my Petrine ministry on the solemnity of Saint Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the patron of the universal Church." Full text.

How beautiful! Let us, too, call on Saint Joseph. This prayer is among the earliest prayers to Saint Joseph (from around A.D. 50) and also one of the best known.

O 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.

O 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 thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

O Saint Joseph, I never weary 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 departing souls, pray for us. Amen.