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Rosary & Mercy

The Prayer to St. Joseph

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse 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 didst embrace the Child Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ hath purchased by his Blood, and with thy 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 propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness.

As once thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of his life, so now defend 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 assistance, we may be able to live piously, to die holily, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

Prayer from Pope Leo XIII, traditional English version.

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Key takeaways

  • Pope Leo XIII put it in his 1889 encyclical Quamquam Pluries.
  • It asks St. Joseph to protect the Church and families.
  • It was often added to the Rosary in October and during times of trial.

What is the Prayer to St. Joseph?

This prayer, "To thee, O blessed Joseph," was recommended by Pope Leo XIII in 1889 to be said after the Rosary during October. It honors Joseph as guardian of the Holy Family and protector of the Church. Pope Pius IX had named him patron of the Universal Church in 1870.

When to pray it

Catholics pray it on March 19 (his feast), on May 1 (Joseph the Worker), in time of need or family trouble, and on Wednesdays, a day traditionally given to him. It is also prayed by workers and fathers.

Questions people ask

Why is St. Joseph the patron of the Church?

He protected Jesus and Mary on earth, so Pius IX declared him patron of the Universal Church in 1870 (CCC 532).

What are St. Joseph's feast days?

March 19 (Solemnity of St. Joseph) and May 1 (St. Joseph the Worker).

Is there a Year of St. Joseph?

Pope Francis declared one in 2020-2021 with the letter Patris Corde.

Related prayers

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Sources: Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-23 · Catechism of the Catholic Church 437, 532, 1655 · Pope Leo XIII, Quamquam Pluries (1889) · USCCB