A Prayer for Protection

Wednesday 1pm Devotion Saint Joseph

The celebrant leads the two opening prayers to St Joseph, the Litany of Saint Jospeh and choses one or more of the other prayers and then gives a blessing.

Celebrant (to camera) We call upon our heavenly Father and Jesus His divine Son to send the Holy Spirit of healing upon our world at this time of pandemic. We ask St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church to watch over, guard and protect us, and especially, all our doctors, nurses, health-care workers and caregivers; may they be safe and strong as our frontline against this pestilence. St Joseph, protect all essential workers, and assist those looking for work. We call upon St Joseph, the Father on Earth of our Lord to be our Father, to intercede for us, for mercy, hope and healing, for those who are suffering from Covid 19 and to welcome in to the halls of heaven those who have died.

Opening Prayers (2) face altar standing 1 Josephites prayer of Consecration to St Joseph

Saint Joseph, I chose you today as my model, my protector, my father. Receive me as one of your privileged children, I will do my best to show myself worthy of you till death Amen St Joseph, watch over you children.

2 A Josephite prayer to Saint Joseph (adapted for general use APR CJ)

We have recourse to you, O blessed Father St Joseph; We honour you and lovingly place our trust in you; We beseech you to protect us through life and at the hour of our death. We place our souls in your care; deign to offer and unite them to Jesus and Mary in a bond of filial affection. Open to us the treasures won by a life of Service, mercy, and prayer; obtain for us the spirit of the interior life so that through you, humility, simplicity and obedience to God’s holy will may fill our souls. Protect our Church and those who govern it. Grant that none may be drawn to it but those capable of giving glory to God; bless all our benefactors and in spite of unworthiness, extend your blessing also on those for whom we wish to pray. May our hearts always be devoted to you. Amen

Litany of St Joseph (adapted for use during Covid19 crisis APR CJ) (kneel) Lord, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us Lord, 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 Son of David, Pray for us Splendor of patriarchs, Pray for us Spouse of the Mother of God, Pray for us 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 pure, Joseph most prudent, Joseph most courageous, Joseph most obedient, Joseph most faithful, Mirror of patience, Lover of poverty, Model of all who labor, Glory of family life, Preserver of virgins, Mainstay of families, Solace of the afflicted, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, Terror of demons,

Protector of Holy Church. Hear us, O Lord Patron of Our Holy Father Pope Francis Hear us, O Lord Namesake of Our Archbishop José Hear us, O Lord Strengthen and Guide our Leaders Hear us, O Lord Keep in peace and cooperation all world leaders, Hear us, O Lord. Bring unity and communion to all Christians, Hear us, O Lord. Bring amity to all religions, Hear us, O Lord. Grant faith to all non-believers, Hear us, O Lord. Bless all our benefactors, Hear us, O Lord. Preserve and protect the earth and its fruits, Hear us, O Lord.

Bring healing to all suffering from Covid19, Hear us, O Lord. Bring serenity to their families and loved ones, Hear us, O Lord. Bring into your divine presence, all who have died from the coronavirus, Hear us, O Lord. Strengthen and protect all doctors, nurses, health-professionals, hospital staff, and caregivers, Hear us, O Lord. Give us all a profound sense of our duty to our neighbor by following all guidelines for healthy and safe living Hear us, O Lord. Grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, Hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us Christ, graciously hear us O Lord hear our prayer O lord hear our prayer

Let Us Pray.

O God, who in your ineffable providence did vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother, grant, we entreat you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector; who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.

PRAYERS TO ST JOSEPH

Prayer to St Joseph in a time of difficulty Glorious St Joseph, spouse of Mary, grant us your paternal protection, we entreat you by the heart of Jesus Christ. O you, whose power extends to all our necessities and can render possible for us the most impossible things, open your fatherly eyes to the needs of your children. In the trouble and distress which afflicts us, we confidently have recourse to you. Deign to take under your charitable charge this important and difficult matter, cause of our worries. Make its happy outcome be for God's glory and for the good of His devoted servants. Amen.

Prayer to St Joseph protector of Jesus

St Joseph, you were the protector of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, we ask you to be also our Father. By your prayers, guard us from all evil. Intercede for us before God so that each day we may have the confidence and the strength to love Him more and more; so that we may fulfil the task that he has given us in this world. We ask this in the presence of your adopted Son who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever Amen.

A prayer to St Joseph for a happy death

Saint Joseph, patron of a Happy death please be with me when my time comes, and bring Jesus and Mary. Amen

Good and Gracious God

Good and gracious God, in your loving plan of salvation, you chose Saint Joseph as husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and guardian and protector of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Through the intercession of Saint Joseph, may we always enjoy the assistance of his prayers in this life, and may we receive a welcome into the happiness of heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen

Glorious St Joseph, Tender Hearted Father (adapted for CJ and general use)

Glorious Saint Joseph, you are, tender-hearted father, faithful guardian of Jesus, and chaste spouse of the Mother of God. We [I] ask you to join with us [me] in praising and thanking God the creator through Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose again to give us new life. In remembering your life and deeds, help us [me] to come to experience in our [my] daily lives [life] the holy presence of the Trinity alive within us [me]. May we [I] be instruments of your mercy to all those with whom we [I] live and work. Amen

A Novena Prayer to St Joseph

Saint Joseph, our model and protector, Interceded for us with the Father through your own beloved foster son, Jesus. Watch over and protect all those who are dear to us, our families, our friends, [our pupils], our parishioners and all those entrusted to our care and love. Guide all parents in the task of helping their children grow in the image and likeness of Jesus. Come to the aid of all those who have asked for our prayers. Pray for us all so that one day we may all live together in our heavenly home. Amen Prayer to St Joseph the Worker

O Joseph, model for all who labor, Pray to God with us. It is an honor to use the gifts and to develop the talents he has given us May his grace strengthen us to work with order and patience, thankfulness and joy. We pray that we may strive dutifully and conscientiously to fulfil our tasks, that all our accomplishments may benefit others and serve their needs. Then may the Lord crown our efforts at the hour of our death, that we may join you in praising him forever. Amen

Glorious St Joseph model of those who labor

Glorious St Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for us [me] the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above our [my] own will; May we [I] work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor, the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, prudence and patience, ensuring our [my] time, talents and treasure are never squandered. May we [I] work, above all, with purity of intention, Never surrendering to weariness or difficulties; May we [I] offer All for Jesus All for Mary After thy example O Holy Patriarch St Joseph Amen

Prayer to St Joseph for workers

O Glorious Saint Joseph, Remind all who work that they are not alone in their labor, their joy or their sufferings, because Jesus is by their side, with Mary, his Mother and ours, supporting them, wiping the sweat form their brows, and setting a value on their toil. Teach them to use their labor, as you did, as a supreme means of attaining holiness. Amen.

Prayer for the Spirit of Work

God our Father Creator and ruler of the universe, in every age You call us to use and develop our gifts for the good of others. With St Joseph as our model and guide, help us to do the work you have asked and come to the rewards you have promised. Please grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Our Charism Prayer (new CJ prayer)

O Father of the Most Holy Trinity, under the patronage of Saint Joseph to whom you entrusted the life of your Son, and the protection of Mary, his blessed Mother, May our hearts burn with zeal for love of Jesus Christ as we live and grow in fraternal harmony. May we, through our doucer and politesse du Coeur, our hospitality and humility, adapt to the needs of the people you have called us to serve. May we, alongside our collaborators, be instruments of your mercy And may our homes and apostolates be havens of peace. Amen

A New Prayer for A Dying Confrere (CJ)

St Joseph, our Patron and consolation of the dying, accompany our brother “n” in these his last hours; that he may pass peacefully and journey onwards, his mission complete, in the knowledge of the loving mercy of our Heavenly Father. Amen”

Prayer to the Founder Constant William Van Crombrugghe (CJ)

Constant William, our Founder and Spiritual Father, we ask you to intercede for us with the God of tenderness and compassion so that we may do His will by becoming evermore, “Instruments of His mercy”. May we also receive new brothers who will ask to help us with the urgent task of Christian education and evangelization. Finally, we ask you to remain with St Joseph, the guide and protector of the Josephites. Amen

An Ancient Prayer to St Joseph Oh, St. 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, St. 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. Oh, St. 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. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

Four short prayers to St Joseph by Cardinal Leo Jozef Suenens

Saint Joseph, master of the inner life teach us to live in every day an intimate connection with Jesus and Mary and in trustworthy surrender to the love of God the Father. Amen

Saint Joseph protector of the family of Nazareth, we entrust you with the future of our families, [or] our religious family that they [we] may have homes [or] communities of hospitality and love. [or] charity Help us with the Christian education of our children. [or] the children you have placed in our care. Amen

Saint Joseph, example for all who work, we entrust you with our daily tasks, so that they might contribute to the well-being of every person. Help us undertake it in a spirit of service, we pray for anyone looking for work. Amen

Saint Joseph faithful guardian of the Church, to whom God placed in charge of the mysteries of the Holy Family, inspire all Christians, that they might be faithful witnesses to the gospel, always and everywhere, in the middle of a world, that is so desperately looking to brotherhood and peace. Amen

Prayer of the Founder (CvanC CJ version)

Lord, If I can see You no more my path is no longer clear; You who are my light and the sole end towards whom I should always tend. Never getting lost means keeping my eyes on You at every step. In the midst of the surrounding darkness, You shine the light of faith. You lead mankind to perfection by your trust and your love. Lord, I see only You! I seek only You, and I look for You wherever my eyes are turned. The designs of your providence call out for my attention. My heart seeks You out in all my occupations, in all my obligations; because they only exist as a means of obeying your commands. So it is on You, the sovereign and only aim of my heart that I try to focus all my attention. I am attentive also to the needs of others according to the laws of your Divine Will. What could I do for my fellow creatures if you no longer led me to them, and if I no longer saw You in them?

Prayer of the Founder [CvanC DMJ version]

Where shall I turn, O Lord, when I can no longer see you who are the light and the way, the beginning and the end of my existence? If I keep my gaze steadfastly fixed on you, I shall never stray far. In the overwhelming darkness of Life's journey, I have but to put all my faith and trust in you, O my God. You alone do I seek, you alone do I see reflected in all creation. The fulfilment of your holy will is my sole desire. Even when preoccupied with the innumerable cares of my daily life, I am still united with you. Should you but cease to look on me with love, I would be unable to concern myself with even these earthly matters and I would sink back into my very nothingness. O Lord, always assist me with your saving grace.

Prayer to obtain the Beatification of our Venerable Founder (CJ)

Constant William van Crombrugghe, to establish in Thy Church new families to labour for the salvation of souls, we beseech Thee, through his intercession, to inflame our hearts with the fire of Thy love so that we may preserve intact the spirit of our Holy Rule Grant, we beseech Thee also, through that same intercession, the special favour we now solicit... O Lord, increase our faith and confidence, and grant that Constant William Van Combrugghe may soon be adorned with the halo of the blessed. And as in Thy goodness, Thou hast given him to us to be our guide and protector on earth grant too that he may be our special advocate with thee in heaven, though Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Help us

Memorare to St. Joseph

Remember, O most chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession was left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power, I fly unto you, and beg your protection.

Despise not, O foster-father of the Redeemer, my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

For a holy death

O Blessed Joseph, you gave your last breath in the loving embrace of Jesus and Mary. When the seal of death shall close my life, come with Jesus and Mary to aid me. Obtain for me this solace for that hour, to die with their holy arms around me.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I commend my soul, living and dying, into your sacred arms.

Amen.

A short prayer to St Joseph for a happy death

Saint Joseph, patron of a Happy death please be with me when my time comes, and bring Jesus and Mary. Amen

A New Prayer for A Dying Confrere (CJ)

Prayer of Pope Leo XII

To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, [and having implored]* we implore the help of your most holy Spouse, and we confidently invoke your patronage also.

Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.

As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

A prayer for workers

Blessed St. Joseph, patron of all working people, obtain for me the grace to labor in a spirit of penance for the atonement of my many sins. Help me to be conscientious in my work so that I may give as full a measure as I have received. May I labor in a spirit of thankfulness and joy, ever mindful of all the gifts I have received from God that enable me to perform these tasks. Permit me to work in peace, patience, and moderation, keeping in mind the account I must one day give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vanity of success, so fatal to the work of God. Glorious St. Joseph, may my labors be all for Jesus, all through Mary, and all after your holy example in life and in death. Amen. St Joseph pattern of all who toil

Glorious Saint Joseph, pattern of all who are devoted to toil, obtain for me the grace to toil in the spirit of penance, in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to toil conscientiously, putting devotion to duty before my own inclinations; to labour with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honour to employ and to develop, by my labour, the gifts that I have received from Almighty God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with a pure intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill- spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone, and of my empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of thee, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

A prayer for parents O glorious St. Joseph, to you God committed the care of His only begotten Son amid the many dangers of this world. We come to you and ask you to take under your special protection the children God has given us. Through holy baptism they became children of God and members of His holy Church. We consecrate them to you today, that through this consecration they may become your foster children. Guard them, guide their steps in life, form their hearts after the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect our dear children for time and eternity. May you be their father and counsellor. Let them, like Jesus, grow in age as well as in wisdom and grace before God and men. Preserve them from the corruption of his world, and give us the grace one day to be united with them in Heaven forever.

Amen. A prayer for protection

St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

St. 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.

St. 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.

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Amen.

Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph

Sorrows: Joys

1) The Doubts of St. Joseph 1) Told of the Incarnation 2) The Poverty of Jesus’ Birth 2) Angels Adore the Infant Jesus 3) The Circumcision 3) Holy Name of Jesus 4) The Prophecy of Simeon 4) Effects of the Redemption 5) The Flight into Egypt 5) Overthrow of the Idols in Egypt 6) The Return to Nazareth 6) Life with Jesus & Mary 7) The Loss of the Child Jesus 7) Jesus Found in the Temple

Leader: Chaste Lover of Mary, how overwhelmed you were when you thought that you would have to end your betrothal to her. But when the angel of God came to you in a dream, you were filled with awe to realize that Mary would be your wife, and you would be the guardian of the Messiah. All: Help us St. Joseph, help our families and all our loved ones to overcome all sadness of heart and develop an absolute trust in God’s goodness.

Leader: Faithful guardian of Jesus, what a failure you thought you were when you could only provide a stable for the birth of the Holy Child. And then what a wonder it was when shepherds came to tell of angel choirs, and wise men came to adore the King of Kings. All: Through your example and prayers, help us St. Joseph and all we love to become like sinless mangers where the Savior of the world may be received with absolute love and respect.

Leader: Tender-hearted Joseph, you too felt pain when the blood of Jesus was first shed at His circumcision. Yet how proud you were to be the one privileged to give the name Jesus, Savior, to the very Son of God. All: Pray for us St. Joseph, that the sacred blood of Christ, poured out for our salvation, may guard our families, so the Divine Name of Jesus may be written in our hearts forever. Leader: Joseph, loving husband, how bewildered you were when Simeon spoke the words of warning that the hearts of Jesus and Mary would be pierced with sorrows. Yet his prediction that this would lead to the salvation of innumerable souls filled you with consolation. All: Help us, St. Joseph, to see with eyes of faith that even the sorrows and pains of those we deeply love can become the pathway to salvation and eternal life.

Leader: Courageous protector of the Holy Family, how terrified you were when you had to make the sudden flight with Jesus and Mary to escape the treachery of King Herod and the cruelty of his soldiers. But when you reached Egypt, what satisfaction you had to know that the Savior of the world had come to replace the pagan idols. All: Teach us by your example, St. Joseph, to keep far from the false idols of earthly attractions, so that like you, we may be entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary.

Leader: Ever-obedient Joseph, you trustingly returned to Nazareth at God’s command, in spite of your fear that King Herod’s son might still be a threat to Jesus’ life. Then what fatherly pride you had in seeing Jesus grow in wisdom and grace before God and men under your care. All: Show us St. Joseph, how to be free from all useless fear and worry, so we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, living safely with Jesus and Mary in our hearts.

Leader: Dependable father and husband, how frantic you and Mary were when, through no fault of yours, you searched for three days to find Jesus. What incredible relief was yours when you found Him safe in the Temple of God. All: Help us St. Joseph, never to lose Jesus through the fault of our own sins. But if we should lose Him, lead us back with unwearied sorrow, until we find Him again; so that we, like you, may finally pass from this life, dying safely in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Leader: And Jesus Himself, when he began His work, was about thirty years old being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph. Leader: Pray for us, holy Joseph. All: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Leader: Let us pray. All: O blessed St. Joseph, tenderhearted father, faithful guardian of Jesus, chaste spouse of the Mother of God, I pray and beseech you to offer to God the Father my praise to Him through his divine Son, who died on the cross and rose again to give us sinners new life. Through the holy name of Jesus, pray with us that we may obtain from the eternal Father, the favor we ask . . . (Pause) . . . We have been unfaithful to the unfailing love of God the Father; beg of Jesus mercy for us. Amid the splendors of God’s loving presence, do not forget the sorrows of those who suffer, those who pray, those who weep. By your prayers and those of your most holy spouse, our Blessed Lady, may the love of Jesus answer our call of confident hope. Amen.