Introduction
St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ and husband of the Virgin Mary, is often considered the “silent” saint. We don’t hear much from him in the Bible, and yet, his impact is profound. St. Joseph was entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Holy Family, an honorable role that speaks volumes about his virtue and holiness.
In the Catholic Church, St. Joseph is a beloved figure. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that he is the “patron of the universal Church” and highlights his important role in the Holy Family (CCC 532). Despite his quiet demeanor, St. Joseph is known to be a powerful intercessor in Heaven. This article will introduce you to seven little-known but powerful prayers to St. Joseph, each offering a unique way to seek his intercession.
The Memorare to St. Joseph
The Memorare is a classic prayer asking for the intercession of a saint, and it is often said to Our Lady. However, there’s a less-known version directed to St. Joseph. This prayer is a heartfelt plea for St. Joseph’s aid, particularly when facing desperate needs.
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 were left unassisted.The Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph
This devotional prayer consists of seven “sorrows and joys” that capture pivotal moments in the life of St. Joseph. Each sorrow and joy is a meditation on an event that shaped his life, from the Annunciation to the finding of Jesus in the Temple. The prayer is a poignant way to connect with St. Joseph, especially when you’re navigating the complexities of life.
Example:
Sorrow: The doubt of St. Joseph (Matthew 1:19)
Joy: The message of the angel (Matthew 1:20-21)The Litany of St. Joseph
The Litany of St. Joseph is a series of petitions that invoke his various titles and ask for his intercession. This prayer was approved for public use by Pope St. Pius X in 1909 and is often prayed on his feast days or during the month of March, dedicated to him. Some of the titles in the Litany include “Joseph Most Just,” “Joseph Most Chaste,” and “Protector of Holy Church.”
Example from the Litany:
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.Prayer for Workers to St. Joseph
St. Joseph, as the patron saint of workers, is a natural figure to turn to when facing employment difficulties. Pope Francis even pointed out the dignity of labor in his apostolic letter Patris Corde, saying, “St. Joseph was a carpenter who earned an honest living to provide for his family.”
Prayer for Workers:
St. Joseph, by the work of your hands and the sweat of your brow, you supported Jesus and Mary, and had the Son of God as your fellow worker.Prayer for a Happy Death
One of the many titles of St. Joseph is “Patron of a Happy Death.” The reason for this is that, according to tradition, St. Joseph died peacefully with Jesus and Mary by his side. It’s an aspect of his life that offers comfort and hope.
Prayer for a Happy Death:
St. Joseph, Patron of a happy death, be with us in our last moments and obtain for us a favorable judgment.Consecration to St. Joseph
Consecrating oneself to St. Joseph essentially means entrusting oneself into his paternal care. This prayer of consecration was popularized by Father Donald Calloway, MIC, in his book “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.”
Example from the Consecration Prayer:
St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to you; be my father, protector, and guide in the way of salvation.The Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph
This prayer dates back to the 50th year of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is considered one of the oldest known prayers to St. Joseph and is praised for its efficacy.
The Ancient Prayer:
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.Conclusion
St. Joseph’s quiet strength and faithfulness make him an ideal figure to turn to in prayer. Whether you’re asking for his help with work, pondering the sorrows and joys of his life, or seeking his intercession for a happy death, St. Joseph stands ready to assist you. Remember, these prayers aren’t magical words; they are invitations for a deeper relationship with this incredible saint and, through him, a closer walk with Jesus and Mary.
Let’s end by recalling the words of Matthew 1:19, “Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.” This verse captures the essence of St. Joseph—righteous, kind, and ever-willing to help those who turn to him.
St. Joseph, pray for us.