Novena to St. Joseph
St. Joseph the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus is a compassionate man and a powerful intercessor. In her Autobiography, St. Teresa of Avila famously wrote “I do not remember that I have ever asked anything of Blessed Joseph which he has failed to grant". Below are various novenas and devotions to St. Joseph.
Devotions to St. Joseph
"Some Saints are privileged to extend to us their patronage with particular efficacy in certain needs, but not in others; but our holy patron St. Joseph has the power to assist us in all cases, in every necessity, in every undertaking." ~ St. Thomas Aquinas
Unfailing Prayer to St. Joseph
TO thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. Through that charity which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which thou embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with thy power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
Defend, O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, 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 propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once thou 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 thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and thy aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Purity
Saint Joseph, father and guardian of virgins, in whose keeping Christ Jesus, innocence itself, and Mary, virgin of virgins was entrusted, I beseech you and do pray by that twofold and most precious charge, by Jesus and Mary, to keep me safe from all uncleanness, to keep my mind untainted, my heart pure, and my body chaste; and to help me always to serve Jesus and Mary in perfect chastity. Amen.
Holy patriarch, guardian and father of virgins, intercede for me. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH TO FIND HOUSING
“Glorious and good St. Joseph, You experienced many tribulations in finding a home for Mary and Jesus. Remember how much you worried about them, of your undertakings and closed doors that you encountered when you accompanied the Infant Jesus on the way to being censured and then your exile and finally the return to your country.
During times of hardship, you made sure that their material comfort always reflected your love and concern, your faithful presence and protection towards Mary and Jesus. Watch over my actions in finding a home, that they proceed smoothly and in clarity, and especially watch over my dealings with the owners and the lease terms. May this new home be welcoming, peaceful, have good neighbors and relations between everyone. May all those that come to my home (our home) feel welcomed by your presence. Fill this home with the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.”
Prayer to St. Joseph the Labourer
O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labour, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations, to work with gratitude and joy, in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account that I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St. Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death
Novena Prayer to St. Joseph for Employment
Dear St. Joseph, you were yourself once faced with the responsibility of providing necessities of life for Jesus and Mary. Look down with fatherly compassion upon me in my anxiety with my present inability to support my family. Please help me find gainful employment very soon, so that this great burden of concern will be lifted from my heart and that I am soon able to provide for those whom God has entrusted to my care. Help me guard against discouragement, so that I may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and with even greater blessings from God. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection
O 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. O 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.
O 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.