Saint Joseph, who was in a special way close to the Incarnate Word and to the Virgin Mary, is venerated by the Sisters as the protector of the Congregation, and their model of faith and of humble selfless service. (Constitutions of the Congregation n. 16)
“To be more attentive to others than to oneself is a characteristic of good people, it is a mark of the saints!” stated Sr. Caterina Giovannini speaking of Mother Elisabetta Renzi. That is certainly what St. Joseph did in his life being the protector and the provider for the Holy Family in Nazareth. Not much is said about him in the Gospels, but we can be certain that Mary and Jesus loved him very much, obeyed him, and reverenced him.
Our Foundress, Bl. Elisabetta Renzi, had a special devotion to St. Joseph, the husband of Mary. He had the privilege of living with Jesus and Mary and fulfilled his mission with love and devotion. For Mother Elisabetta, St. Joseph was the model of obedience in all the many difficult situations of life and of complete faithfulness to God. Through it all, he maintained an unwavering faith in the promise of God and never questioned God’s will.
Mother Elisabetta prayed often to St. Joseph, not only to be near her at the time of her death, but also to help her remain faithful to God and to maintain a pure heart. She instilled the devotion to him in her companions and students, asking that he be honored in a special way on his feast day. She would pray: “O holy and glorious patriarch Saint Joseph, you had the most beautiful of deaths. Obtain for me the grace to die with you in the arms of Jesus and Mary.” Amen.
Prayers to St. Joseph >
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. (Matthew 1:24)
To You, O Blessed Joseph
To you, O blessed Joseph, we come in our tribulations, and having implored the help of your most holy spouse, we also confidently invoke your patronage. 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 watch over those whom Jesus Christ has purchased by his blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. Watchful guardian of the Holy family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence. Mighty protector, be propitious to us and assist us from heaven 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 us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live devoutly, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternally happiness in heaven. Amen.
Saint Joseph, Pure Spouse of Mary
Saint Joseph, Pure Spouse of Mary ever Virgin and the loving Spouse of the mother of God protector, remember that no one ever had recourse to or protection or asked for our aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in our goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despite not my petitions, foster-father of the redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen
O Saint Joseph, Patron of the Church (Pope Paul VI)
O Saint Joseph, patron of the Church, you were close to the Incarnate Word and labored every day to earn your bread, drawing your strength to live and work from him. You experienced anxiety for the future, the bitterness of poverty, the precariousness of work. Your example shone out each day, humble before men, but very great before God. Watch over the immense family that has been entrusted to you. Bless the Church, urging it always further on the path of fidelity to the Gospel. Protect workers, in their difficult daily existence; defend them form discouragement, violence, and any evil pursuit of pleasure. Pray for the poor who continue on earth the poverty of Christ inspiring their wealthier neighbors to continue to assist them. Foster peace in the world, that peace which alone can guarantee the development of peoples and the complete fulfillment of human hope, for the good of humanity, for the mission of the Church, and for the glory of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen.
Guardian and Father of Virgins
Guardian and father of virgins, Saint Joseph, to whose faithful care were entrusted Jesus Christ, innocence itself, and Mary, the Virgin of Virgins, I pray and beg of you, through Jesus and Mary who are so dear to you, to keep me from every stain of sin. Grant that with an uncontaminated mind, a pure heart, and a chaste body, I may always serve Jesus and Mary in perfect Chastity. Amen.
Litany to St. Joseph >
Behold the wise and faithful servant, whom the Lord has set over his household. (Luke 12:42)
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Christ hear us.
Christ graciously her 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 of us. (repeat after each line)
St. Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the virgin,
Foster father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of the Church,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
He made himself the lord of his household,
And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray, O God, in your ineffable providence, you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our Protector; you woho live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
