Re: Prayer to St. Joseph
Fr:
Pope Leo XIII (1889, encyclical Quamquam
Plures where he requested this prayer to be prayed after the rosary in October)
To you, O Blessed
Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of
your most holy spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly
beg you to take us under your protection. Through that sacred bond of charity
which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that FATHERLY
LOVE with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly bed you to look
graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his
blood, and so aid us in our necessities with your power and strength.
Defend, O most
watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Keep
from us, O most loving father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from
on high, most valiant DEFENDER, in the conflict 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 the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us by
your CONSTANT PROTECTION, so that, supported by your example and strengthened
by your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, die a happy death, and
obtain everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.
