Devotion to St. Joseph
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Contents
• The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph
1. The doubt of St. Joseph. (Matt. 1:19) - The message of the Angel. (Matt. 1:20).
2. The poverty of Jesus' birth. (Luke 2:7) - The Birth of the Saviour. (Luke 2:10-11).
3. The Circumcision. (Luke 2:21) - The Holy Name of Jesus. (Matt. 1:25).
4. The prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:34) - The Effects of the Redemption. (Luke 2:38).
5. The flight into Egypt. (Matt. 2:14) - The overthrow of the idols of Egypt. (Is. 19:1).
6. The return from Egypt. (Matt. 2:22) - Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. (Luke 2:39).
7. The loss of the Child Jesus. (Luke 2:45) - The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:46).
• Litany of St. Joseph
******
The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph
The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph is a devotion to the patron of the universal Church. On the seven
Sundays preceding his feast, March 19, the faithful have traditionally contemplated a series of circumstances—
seven sorrows and joys—in his life so that they might confront the joys and sorrows of their
own lives as he did.
First Sunday
1. St. JOSEPH, Chaste Spouse of the Holy Mother of God, by the SORROW with which thy heart was pierced at the thought of a cruel separation from Mary, and by the deep JOY that thou didst feel when the angel revealed to thee the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation, obtain for us from Jesus and Mary, the grace of surmounting all anxiety. Win for us from the Adorable Heart of Jesus the unspeakable peace of which He is the Eternal Source.
Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to
Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. But Joseph
her husband, being a just man and not wishing to expose her to reproach, resolved to
send her away privately.
But while he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
saying: “Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David, to take Mary your wife. For that which is conceived
in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus;
for he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin
shall conceive and bring forth a son; and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (which means
“God with us”).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his
wife.
Until the angel appeared, Joseph suffered immensely. His sorrow was as great as his love for the virgin
Mary.
The Fathers of the Church comment on this scene in different ways. The interpretation that St. Thomas
Aquinas gives to Joseph's perplexity corresponds to the reality of the situation. He explains: "Joseph
wanted to leave Mary not because he was suspicious but because, out of humility, he was afraid
to live beside such great sanctity. That is why the angel told him, `Do not be afraid'"
Joseph felt that he was nothing compared to the incomprehensible mystery that surrounded Mary. To
his great sorrow, he determined to withdraw discretely. But he received from the angel confirmation
that what had happened to her was God's work and that, besides, he too had a part, a mission, in the
mystery: “You shall call his name Jesus.” In Biblical language this expression meant that he was going
to be Jesus' father according to the law. Knowing this, St. Joseph was filled with the joy of his vocation.
Prayer: O chaste spouse of most holy Mary, glorious St. Joseph: the trouble and anguish in
your heart were great when you were perplexed over sending away your immaculate spouse;
yet your joy was immense when the mystery of the Incarnation was revealed to you by the angel.
By this sorrow and this joy we ask you to comfort our souls, now and in the sorrows of our final
hour, with the joy of a good life and a holy death like your own in the company of Jesus and
Mary.
Second Sunday
2. St. JOSEPH, Foster-Father of Jesus, by the bitter SORROW which thy heart experienced in seeing the Child Jesus lying in a manger, and by the JOY which thou didst feel in seeing the Wise men recognize and adore Him as their God, obtain by thy prayers that our heart, purified by thy protection, may become a living crib, where the Savior of the world may receive and bless our homage.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world should
be taken.... And Joseph also went from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judaea to the
town of David, which is called Bethlehem—because he was of the house and lineage of David—
to register, with Mary his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time
came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The mystery of the Incarnation is veiled in this humble scene. Joseph loves Jesus and suffers seeing
him who he knows is the Word, the King of the universe, lying in a manger. He would give him anything
and everything, yet he has nothing to give. The difference between what he would like to do and
his poverty places his soul in great distress.
But then he grows calm. His sorrow recedes. He renews his dedication to God and carries out the divine
command to love him with his whole heart, with his whole soul, and with his whole strength. He
gives himself completely to God who lies in his arms.
St. Josemarίa has written:
There is great simplicity about his birth. Our Lord comes without fanfare. No one knows about
him. On Earth only Mary and Joseph share in the divine adventure. And then the shepherds
who received the message from the angels. And later on, the wise men from the East. They
were the only witnesses of this transcendental event which unites Heaven and Earth, God and
man... The greatness of this Child who is God! His Father is the God who made Heaven and
Earth; and there he is, in a manger, “because there was no room at the inn”—there was nowhere
else for the Lord of all creation.
Our father and lord St. Joseph...apparently has a very minor role in the Epiphany—as usual. I
can imagine him recollected in prayer, lovingly protecting the Son of God made man who has
been entrusted to his paternal care. With the marvelous refinement of one who does not live for
himself, the holy patriarch spends himself in silent prayer and effective service.... If you want
my advice, which I have never tired of repeating these many years, ite ad Joseph: “Go to Joseph.”
He will show us definite ways, both human and divine, to approach Jesus. And soon you
will dare, as he did, “to take up in his arms, kiss, clothe and look after” this child God who has
been born to us. As a homage of their veneration, the Magi offered gold, frankincense and
myrrh to Jesus. But Joseph gave his whole youthful and loving heart.
Prayer: Blessed patriarch, glorious St. Joseph, chosen to serve as father of the Word made
flesh, the sorrow which you felt when you saw the infant Jesus born into poverty was turned
into heavenly joy when you heard the song of the angels and when you saw the glory of that resplendent
night.
By this sorrow and this joy, we ask you to obtain for us that, after he course of this life, we hear
angelic songs of praise and rejoice in the splendors of heavenly glory.
Third Sunday
3. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW with which thy heart was pierced at the sight of the Blood which flowed from the Infant Jesus in the Circumcision, and by the JOY that inundated thy soul at thy privilege of imposing the sacred and mysterious Name of Jesus, obtain for us that the merits of this Precious Blood may be applied to our souls, and that the Divine Name of Jesus may be engraved forever in our hearts.
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he name was called Jesus, the name given by
the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
Joseph teaches us to deal confidently with the Word made flesh. St. Teresa of Avila reveals her great
love for the patriarch. She tells us her personal experience:
I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph and commended myself earnestly to
him; and I found that this father and lord delivered me both from this trouble and also from
other and greater troubles concerning my honor and the loss of my soul, and that he gave me
greater blessings than I could ask from him. I do not remember even now that I have ever
asked anything from him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favors
which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint... I beg for the love of God that anyone
who does not believe me will put what I say to the test, and he will see by experience what
great advantages come from his commending himself to this glorious patriarch and having devotion
to him. Those who practice prayer should have a special affection for him always. I do
not know how anyone can think of the queen of the angels, during the time that she suffered so
much with the child Jesus, without giving thanks to St. Joseph for the way he helped them. If
anyone cannot find a master to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as his
master, and he will not go astray.
Prayer: Obedient follower of the law of God, glorious St. Joseph, the precious blood which
flowed at the circumcision of the infant Jesus caused your heart to be pierced, but the name of
Jesus gave new life and filled you with peace.
By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that by struggling against the slavery of sin we die in
joy with the most holy name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.
Fourth Sunday
4. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW when the Lord declared that the soul of Mary would be pierced with a sword of sorrow, and by thy JOY when holy Simeon added that the Divine Infant was to be the resurrection of many, obtain for us the grace to have compassion on the sorrows of Mary, and share in the salvation which Jesus brought to the earth.
And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up
to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that
opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is
said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”
And there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout,
looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed
to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of
the Lord. And he came into the temple by inspiration of the Spirit. And when the parents
brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in
his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to
your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all
peoples: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them,
and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold: this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And a sword shall pierce your own soul also that
thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon tells them that Jesus will be a sign of contradiction, a standard which people will either follow
or oppose. And he adds that the Son's sufferings will be intimately connected with his Mother's sorrows.
The sorrows of Jesus and Mary are made known. This revelation enables St. Joseph to glimpse more
clearly the mystery of the Son's cross. It is impossible to guess the depth of his suffering. He always
wanted to protect the child whom he loved with the greatest of fatherly love, for, as St. Pius X says, he
is "the virgin father of Jesus." Now he understands with new insight all the Old Testament prophecies
related to Christ's passion.
St. Joseph's mind and heart have been marked by the cross. As Mary offered her Son on the cross, so
did St. Joseph. This offering constitutes the holy patriarch's greatest act of generosity. "It took all the
generosity of his love to offer Jesus and Mary to God. It was his supreme sacrifice since he loved them
immeasurably more than his own life."
Prayer: O glorious St. Joseph, model of faithful fulfillment of God's plans, the prophecy of
Simeon about the future sufferings of Jesus and Mary brought mortal fear to you but at the
same time filled you with blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection which he
prophesied would follow for numberless souls.
By this sorrow and this by obtain for us that we may be among those who through the merits of
Jesus and the intercession of the Virgin Mother are to rise in glory.
Fifth Sunday
5. St. JOSEPH, by thy SORROW when told to fly into Egypt, and by thy JOY in seeing the idols overthrown at the arrival of the living God, grant that no idol of earthly affection may any longer occupy our hearts, but being like thee entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live and happily die for them alone.
Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: “Rise, and take the child
and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you. For Herod will search for
the child to destroy him.”
So he rose, and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained
there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be
fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
St. John Chrysostom comments on this scene:
On hearing this, Joseph was not shocked, nor did he say: “This is strange. You yourself made it
known not long ago that he would save his people, and now you are incapable even of saving
him—we have to flee, to set out on a long journey and spend a long while in a strange place;
that contradicts your promise.”
Joseph does not think in this way, for he is a man who trusts God. Nor does he ask when he will
return, ever, though the angel left that time vague: “Stay there until I tell you to return.” Joseph
does not object; he obeys and believes and joyfully accepts all the trials.
St. Joseph faithfully fulfills God's will.
St. Josemarίa adds:
The Gospels give us a picture of St. Joseph as a remarkably sound man who was in no way
frightened or scared of life. On the contrary, he faced up to problems, dealt with difficult situations
and showed responsibility and initiative in whatever he was asked to do.
I don't agree with the traditional picture of St. Joseph as an old man, even though it may have
been prompted by a desire to emphasize the perpetual virginity of Mary. I see him as a strong
young man, perhaps a few years older than our Lady, but in the prime of his life and work.
You don't have to wait to be old or lifeless to practice the virtue of chastity. Purity comes from
love; and the strength and gaiety of youth are no obstacle for noble love. Joseph had a young
heart and a young body when he married Mary, when he learned of the mystery of her divine
motherhood, when he lived in her company, respecting the integrity God wished to give the
world.
Prayer: Watchful guardian of the incarnate Son of God, glorious St. Joseph, you gave your toil
in supporting and serving the Son of the Most High, especially when you were forced to flee
into Egypt; yet you felt great joy having God himself always with you and seeing the idols of
Egypt fall to the ground.
By this sorrow and this joy obtain for us that we keep the infernal tyrant far away from us, especially
by flight from occasions of sin, and that every idol of earthly affection fall from our
hearts; and being wholly employed in the service of Jesus and Mary let us live and happily die
for them alone.
Sixth Sunday
6. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW of thy heart caused by the fear of the tyrant Archelaus and by the JOY in sharing the company of Jesus and Mary at Nazareth, obtain for us, that disengaged from all fear, we may enjoy the peace of a good conscience and may live in security, in union with Jesus and Mary, experiencing the effect of thy salutary assistance at the hour of our death.
But when Herod died, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
saying, “Rise, and take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel. For those who
sought the child's life are dead.”
So he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But hearing that
Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there; and
being warned in a dream, he withdrew into Galilee. And he went and settled in a town called
Nazareth.
After the sorrow of not being allowed to go to Judea, St. Joseph experiences the joy of returning to
Nazareth. His joy increases as the days of Christ's hidden life go by. The home life of Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph resembled that of their neighbors. Time was spent in family life. Sometimes Joseph would
contemplate the Child "in the most pure arms of Mary, the blessed Mother. She held God veiled in
flesh, and pressed her lips in sweet kisses on the flesh of the One who is true God and true man"
(Paulinus of Aquilea). And St. Joseph, as F. de Eximensis so charmingly says, "showed delight and joy
in providing for the infant Savior's needs, bathing him, reverently handling the small limbs of his precious
body, changing his clothes, and doing other things that little children require."
Contemplating Joseph's life in the company of Jesus and Mary, we can make our own the words of a
prayer composed by Pius XII:
St. Joseph, grant that according to your example we keep our eyes fixed on our Mother Mary,
your most sweet spouse, who silently used to do her weaving in a corner of your workshop,
with a smile on her lips. Grant that we not lose sight of Jesus, who busied himself with you at
your carpenter's bench. Thus may we be able to lead a peaceful and holy life on earth, as a prelude
to that eternally happy life which awaits us in Heaven for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer: Glorious St. Joseph, you marveled to have the King of Heaven subject to your commands;
though your consolation in leading him out of Egypt was troubled by fear of Archelaus,
nevertheless, being reassured by the angel, you lived at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.
By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that our hearts be freed from harmful fears, and that
we have peace of conscience living in security with Jesus and Mary and dying in their company.
Seventh Sunday
7. St. JOSEPH, by the bitter SORROW with which the loss of the Child Jesus crushed thy heart, and by the holy JOY which inundated thy soul in recovering thy Treasure on entering the Temple, we supplicate thee not to permit us to lose our Saviour Jesus by sin. Yet, should this misfortune befall us, grant that we may share thy eagerness in seeking Him, and obtain for us the grace to find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; so that we may pass from this life to enjoy His presence in heaven, there to sing with thee His divine mercies forever.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was
twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to custom. And when the feast was
ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem. His parents did not know
it, but supposing that he was in the caravan, they went a day's journey before it occurred to
them to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find him,
they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.
After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them
and asking them questions. And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding
and his answers.
We can easily understand Mary's and Joseph's sorrow on realizing that Jesus had disappeared. They
were filled with apprehension as they searched for their son. Those sorrowful days were a premonition
of the time that would intervene between Calvary and the Resurrection. Suddenly, they hear his
dear voice. There he is! They are greatly comforted, and their pent-up emotions overflow with great
joy.
In this scene, St. Luke uses the word "parents" a number of times to designate the Virgin Mary and St.
Joseph. But this word has its deepest meaning when Mary tells her Son: "Behold, your father and I
have been seeking you in sorrow.”
"Father." That was the word St. Joseph would love to hear most. He would smile and gaze fondly at
Jesus when he called him "Father." As St. Josemarίa wrote: "Joseph loved Jesus as a father loves his
son and showed his love by giving him the best he had. Joseph, caring for the child as he had been
commanded, made Jesus a craftsman, transmitting his own professional skill to him. So the neigh-
bors of Nazareth will call Jesus both faber and fabri filius, the craftsman and the son of the craftsman."
Jesus worked in Joseph's workshop and by Joseph's side. Grace must have worked through Joseph,
so that he was able to fulfill this task of the human upbringing of the Son of God!
"For Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his
way of speaking. Jesus' realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference
for using everyday situations to give doctrine—all this reflects his childhood and the influence of
Joseph."
Afterwards, the Gospel says that Jesus "went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient
to them; and his mother kept all these things carefully in her heart."
Prayer: Pattern of holiness, glorious St. Joseph, when you lost the Child Jesus through no
fault of your own, with great sorrow you sought him for three days, until you rejoiced exceedingly
in finding him in the temple among the doctors.
By this sorrow and this joy, we earnestly ask you to prevent us from ever losing Jesus by mortal
sin; but if through supreme misfortune we lose him, grant that we seek him with untiring sorrow,
until we find him again and can live in friendship with him. Let us enjoy his presence in
Heaven, and there with you to sing his divine mercies.
******
Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, 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,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
St. Joseph,
Illustrious son of David,
Splendor of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
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 chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most courageous,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of all who work,
Glory of family life,
Guardian of virgins,
Mainstay of families,
Consolation of the afflicted,
Terror of demons,
Protector of holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Let us pray. 0 God, who in your ineffable providence deigned to choose blessed Joseph as the spouse
of your most holy Mother, grant, we pray, that we have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on
Earth we venerate as our protector; Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
******
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Contents
• The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph
1. The doubt of St. Joseph. (Matt. 1:19) - The message of the Angel. (Matt. 1:20).
2. The poverty of Jesus' birth. (Luke 2:7) - The Birth of the Saviour. (Luke 2:10-11).
3. The Circumcision. (Luke 2:21) - The Holy Name of Jesus. (Matt. 1:25).
4. The prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:34) - The Effects of the Redemption. (Luke 2:38).
5. The flight into Egypt. (Matt. 2:14) - The overthrow of the idols of Egypt. (Is. 19:1).
6. The return from Egypt. (Matt. 2:22) - Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. (Luke 2:39).
7. The loss of the Child Jesus. (Luke 2:45) - The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:46).
• Litany of St. Joseph
******
The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph
The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph is a devotion to the patron of the universal Church. On the seven
Sundays preceding his feast, March 19, the faithful have traditionally contemplated a series of circumstances—
seven sorrows and joys—in his life so that they might confront the joys and sorrows of their
own lives as he did.
First Sunday
1. St. JOSEPH, Chaste Spouse of the Holy Mother of God, by the SORROW with which thy heart was pierced at the thought of a cruel separation from Mary, and by the deep JOY that thou didst feel when the angel revealed to thee the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation, obtain for us from Jesus and Mary, the grace of surmounting all anxiety. Win for us from the Adorable Heart of Jesus the unspeakable peace of which He is the Eternal Source.
Now the birth of Jesus took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to
Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. But Joseph
her husband, being a just man and not wishing to expose her to reproach, resolved to
send her away privately.
But while he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream
saying: “Do not be afraid, Joseph, son of David, to take Mary your wife. For that which is conceived
in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus;
for he will save his people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin
shall conceive and bring forth a son; and they shall call his name Emmanuel” (which means
“God with us”).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took his
wife.
Until the angel appeared, Joseph suffered immensely. His sorrow was as great as his love for the virgin
Mary.
The Fathers of the Church comment on this scene in different ways. The interpretation that St. Thomas
Aquinas gives to Joseph's perplexity corresponds to the reality of the situation. He explains: "Joseph
wanted to leave Mary not because he was suspicious but because, out of humility, he was afraid
to live beside such great sanctity. That is why the angel told him, `Do not be afraid'"
Joseph felt that he was nothing compared to the incomprehensible mystery that surrounded Mary. To
his great sorrow, he determined to withdraw discretely. But he received from the angel confirmation
that what had happened to her was God's work and that, besides, he too had a part, a mission, in the
mystery: “You shall call his name Jesus.” In Biblical language this expression meant that he was going
to be Jesus' father according to the law. Knowing this, St. Joseph was filled with the joy of his vocation.
Prayer: O chaste spouse of most holy Mary, glorious St. Joseph: the trouble and anguish in
your heart were great when you were perplexed over sending away your immaculate spouse;
yet your joy was immense when the mystery of the Incarnation was revealed to you by the angel.
By this sorrow and this joy we ask you to comfort our souls, now and in the sorrows of our final
hour, with the joy of a good life and a holy death like your own in the company of Jesus and
Mary.
Second Sunday
2. St. JOSEPH, Foster-Father of Jesus, by the bitter SORROW which thy heart experienced in seeing the Child Jesus lying in a manger, and by the JOY which thou didst feel in seeing the Wise men recognize and adore Him as their God, obtain by thy prayers that our heart, purified by thy protection, may become a living crib, where the Savior of the world may receive and bless our homage.
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census of the whole world should
be taken.... And Joseph also went from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judaea to the
town of David, which is called Bethlehem—because he was of the house and lineage of David—
to register, with Mary his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time
came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The mystery of the Incarnation is veiled in this humble scene. Joseph loves Jesus and suffers seeing
him who he knows is the Word, the King of the universe, lying in a manger. He would give him anything
and everything, yet he has nothing to give. The difference between what he would like to do and
his poverty places his soul in great distress.
But then he grows calm. His sorrow recedes. He renews his dedication to God and carries out the divine
command to love him with his whole heart, with his whole soul, and with his whole strength. He
gives himself completely to God who lies in his arms.
St. Josemarίa has written:
There is great simplicity about his birth. Our Lord comes without fanfare. No one knows about
him. On Earth only Mary and Joseph share in the divine adventure. And then the shepherds
who received the message from the angels. And later on, the wise men from the East. They
were the only witnesses of this transcendental event which unites Heaven and Earth, God and
man... The greatness of this Child who is God! His Father is the God who made Heaven and
Earth; and there he is, in a manger, “because there was no room at the inn”—there was nowhere
else for the Lord of all creation.
Our father and lord St. Joseph...apparently has a very minor role in the Epiphany—as usual. I
can imagine him recollected in prayer, lovingly protecting the Son of God made man who has
been entrusted to his paternal care. With the marvelous refinement of one who does not live for
himself, the holy patriarch spends himself in silent prayer and effective service.... If you want
my advice, which I have never tired of repeating these many years, ite ad Joseph: “Go to Joseph.”
He will show us definite ways, both human and divine, to approach Jesus. And soon you
will dare, as he did, “to take up in his arms, kiss, clothe and look after” this child God who has
been born to us. As a homage of their veneration, the Magi offered gold, frankincense and
myrrh to Jesus. But Joseph gave his whole youthful and loving heart.
Prayer: Blessed patriarch, glorious St. Joseph, chosen to serve as father of the Word made
flesh, the sorrow which you felt when you saw the infant Jesus born into poverty was turned
into heavenly joy when you heard the song of the angels and when you saw the glory of that resplendent
night.
By this sorrow and this joy, we ask you to obtain for us that, after he course of this life, we hear
angelic songs of praise and rejoice in the splendors of heavenly glory.
Third Sunday
3. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW with which thy heart was pierced at the sight of the Blood which flowed from the Infant Jesus in the Circumcision, and by the JOY that inundated thy soul at thy privilege of imposing the sacred and mysterious Name of Jesus, obtain for us that the merits of this Precious Blood may be applied to our souls, and that the Divine Name of Jesus may be engraved forever in our hearts.
“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he name was called Jesus, the name given by
the angel before he was conceived in the womb."
Joseph teaches us to deal confidently with the Word made flesh. St. Teresa of Avila reveals her great
love for the patriarch. She tells us her personal experience:
I took for my advocate and lord the glorious St. Joseph and commended myself earnestly to
him; and I found that this father and lord delivered me both from this trouble and also from
other and greater troubles concerning my honor and the loss of my soul, and that he gave me
greater blessings than I could ask from him. I do not remember even now that I have ever
asked anything from him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favors
which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint... I beg for the love of God that anyone
who does not believe me will put what I say to the test, and he will see by experience what
great advantages come from his commending himself to this glorious patriarch and having devotion
to him. Those who practice prayer should have a special affection for him always. I do
not know how anyone can think of the queen of the angels, during the time that she suffered so
much with the child Jesus, without giving thanks to St. Joseph for the way he helped them. If
anyone cannot find a master to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as his
master, and he will not go astray.
Prayer: Obedient follower of the law of God, glorious St. Joseph, the precious blood which
flowed at the circumcision of the infant Jesus caused your heart to be pierced, but the name of
Jesus gave new life and filled you with peace.
By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that by struggling against the slavery of sin we die in
joy with the most holy name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.
Fourth Sunday
4. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW when the Lord declared that the soul of Mary would be pierced with a sword of sorrow, and by thy JOY when holy Simeon added that the Divine Infant was to be the resurrection of many, obtain for us the grace to have compassion on the sorrows of Mary, and share in the salvation which Jesus brought to the earth.
And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up
to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that
opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is
said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.”
And there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout,
looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed
to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Christ of
the Lord. And he came into the temple by inspiration of the Spirit. And when the parents
brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in
his arms and blessed God, saying: “Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to
your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before the face of all
peoples: a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.”
And his father and mother marveled at what was said about him. And Simeon blessed them,
and said to Mary, his mother, “Behold: this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and for a sign that shall be contradicted. And a sword shall pierce your own soul also that
thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon tells them that Jesus will be a sign of contradiction, a standard which people will either follow
or oppose. And he adds that the Son's sufferings will be intimately connected with his Mother's sorrows.
The sorrows of Jesus and Mary are made known. This revelation enables St. Joseph to glimpse more
clearly the mystery of the Son's cross. It is impossible to guess the depth of his suffering. He always
wanted to protect the child whom he loved with the greatest of fatherly love, for, as St. Pius X says, he
is "the virgin father of Jesus." Now he understands with new insight all the Old Testament prophecies
related to Christ's passion.
St. Joseph's mind and heart have been marked by the cross. As Mary offered her Son on the cross, so
did St. Joseph. This offering constitutes the holy patriarch's greatest act of generosity. "It took all the
generosity of his love to offer Jesus and Mary to God. It was his supreme sacrifice since he loved them
immeasurably more than his own life."
Prayer: O glorious St. Joseph, model of faithful fulfillment of God's plans, the prophecy of
Simeon about the future sufferings of Jesus and Mary brought mortal fear to you but at the
same time filled you with blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection which he
prophesied would follow for numberless souls.
By this sorrow and this by obtain for us that we may be among those who through the merits of
Jesus and the intercession of the Virgin Mother are to rise in glory.
Fifth Sunday
5. St. JOSEPH, by thy SORROW when told to fly into Egypt, and by thy JOY in seeing the idols overthrown at the arrival of the living God, grant that no idol of earthly affection may any longer occupy our hearts, but being like thee entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live and happily die for them alone.
Behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said: “Rise, and take the child
and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you. For Herod will search for
the child to destroy him.”
So he rose, and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained
there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be
fulfilled, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”
St. John Chrysostom comments on this scene:
On hearing this, Joseph was not shocked, nor did he say: “This is strange. You yourself made it
known not long ago that he would save his people, and now you are incapable even of saving
him—we have to flee, to set out on a long journey and spend a long while in a strange place;
that contradicts your promise.”
Joseph does not think in this way, for he is a man who trusts God. Nor does he ask when he will
return, ever, though the angel left that time vague: “Stay there until I tell you to return.” Joseph
does not object; he obeys and believes and joyfully accepts all the trials.
St. Joseph faithfully fulfills God's will.
St. Josemarίa adds:
The Gospels give us a picture of St. Joseph as a remarkably sound man who was in no way
frightened or scared of life. On the contrary, he faced up to problems, dealt with difficult situations
and showed responsibility and initiative in whatever he was asked to do.
I don't agree with the traditional picture of St. Joseph as an old man, even though it may have
been prompted by a desire to emphasize the perpetual virginity of Mary. I see him as a strong
young man, perhaps a few years older than our Lady, but in the prime of his life and work.
You don't have to wait to be old or lifeless to practice the virtue of chastity. Purity comes from
love; and the strength and gaiety of youth are no obstacle for noble love. Joseph had a young
heart and a young body when he married Mary, when he learned of the mystery of her divine
motherhood, when he lived in her company, respecting the integrity God wished to give the
world.
Prayer: Watchful guardian of the incarnate Son of God, glorious St. Joseph, you gave your toil
in supporting and serving the Son of the Most High, especially when you were forced to flee
into Egypt; yet you felt great joy having God himself always with you and seeing the idols of
Egypt fall to the ground.
By this sorrow and this joy obtain for us that we keep the infernal tyrant far away from us, especially
by flight from occasions of sin, and that every idol of earthly affection fall from our
hearts; and being wholly employed in the service of Jesus and Mary let us live and happily die
for them alone.
Sixth Sunday
6. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW of thy heart caused by the fear of the tyrant Archelaus and by the JOY in sharing the company of Jesus and Mary at Nazareth, obtain for us, that disengaged from all fear, we may enjoy the peace of a good conscience and may live in security, in union with Jesus and Mary, experiencing the effect of thy salutary assistance at the hour of our death.
But when Herod died, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
saying, “Rise, and take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel. For those who
sought the child's life are dead.”
So he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But hearing that
Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there; and
being warned in a dream, he withdrew into Galilee. And he went and settled in a town called
Nazareth.
After the sorrow of not being allowed to go to Judea, St. Joseph experiences the joy of returning to
Nazareth. His joy increases as the days of Christ's hidden life go by. The home life of Jesus, Mary, and
Joseph resembled that of their neighbors. Time was spent in family life. Sometimes Joseph would
contemplate the Child "in the most pure arms of Mary, the blessed Mother. She held God veiled in
flesh, and pressed her lips in sweet kisses on the flesh of the One who is true God and true man"
(Paulinus of Aquilea). And St. Joseph, as F. de Eximensis so charmingly says, "showed delight and joy
in providing for the infant Savior's needs, bathing him, reverently handling the small limbs of his precious
body, changing his clothes, and doing other things that little children require."
Contemplating Joseph's life in the company of Jesus and Mary, we can make our own the words of a
prayer composed by Pius XII:
St. Joseph, grant that according to your example we keep our eyes fixed on our Mother Mary,
your most sweet spouse, who silently used to do her weaving in a corner of your workshop,
with a smile on her lips. Grant that we not lose sight of Jesus, who busied himself with you at
your carpenter's bench. Thus may we be able to lead a peaceful and holy life on earth, as a prelude
to that eternally happy life which awaits us in Heaven for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayer: Glorious St. Joseph, you marveled to have the King of Heaven subject to your commands;
though your consolation in leading him out of Egypt was troubled by fear of Archelaus,
nevertheless, being reassured by the angel, you lived at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary.
By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that our hearts be freed from harmful fears, and that
we have peace of conscience living in security with Jesus and Mary and dying in their company.
Seventh Sunday
7. St. JOSEPH, by the bitter SORROW with which the loss of the Child Jesus crushed thy heart, and by the holy JOY which inundated thy soul in recovering thy Treasure on entering the Temple, we supplicate thee not to permit us to lose our Saviour Jesus by sin. Yet, should this misfortune befall us, grant that we may share thy eagerness in seeking Him, and obtain for us the grace to find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; so that we may pass from this life to enjoy His presence in heaven, there to sing with thee His divine mercies forever.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was
twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to custom. And when the feast was
ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem. His parents did not know
it, but supposing that he was in the caravan, they went a day's journey before it occurred to
them to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find him,
they returned to Jerusalem in search of him.
After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them
and asking them questions. And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding
and his answers.
We can easily understand Mary's and Joseph's sorrow on realizing that Jesus had disappeared. They
were filled with apprehension as they searched for their son. Those sorrowful days were a premonition
of the time that would intervene between Calvary and the Resurrection. Suddenly, they hear his
dear voice. There he is! They are greatly comforted, and their pent-up emotions overflow with great
joy.
In this scene, St. Luke uses the word "parents" a number of times to designate the Virgin Mary and St.
Joseph. But this word has its deepest meaning when Mary tells her Son: "Behold, your father and I
have been seeking you in sorrow.”
"Father." That was the word St. Joseph would love to hear most. He would smile and gaze fondly at
Jesus when he called him "Father." As St. Josemarίa wrote: "Joseph loved Jesus as a father loves his
son and showed his love by giving him the best he had. Joseph, caring for the child as he had been
commanded, made Jesus a craftsman, transmitting his own professional skill to him. So the neigh-
bors of Nazareth will call Jesus both faber and fabri filius, the craftsman and the son of the craftsman."
Jesus worked in Joseph's workshop and by Joseph's side. Grace must have worked through Joseph,
so that he was able to fulfill this task of the human upbringing of the Son of God!
"For Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his
way of speaking. Jesus' realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference
for using everyday situations to give doctrine—all this reflects his childhood and the influence of
Joseph."
Afterwards, the Gospel says that Jesus "went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient
to them; and his mother kept all these things carefully in her heart."
Prayer: Pattern of holiness, glorious St. Joseph, when you lost the Child Jesus through no
fault of your own, with great sorrow you sought him for three days, until you rejoiced exceedingly
in finding him in the temple among the doctors.
By this sorrow and this joy, we earnestly ask you to prevent us from ever losing Jesus by mortal
sin; but if through supreme misfortune we lose him, grant that we seek him with untiring sorrow,
until we find him again and can live in friendship with him. Let us enjoy his presence in
Heaven, and there with you to sing his divine mercies.
******
Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, 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,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
St. Joseph,
Illustrious son of David,
Splendor of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
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 chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most courageous,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of all who work,
Glory of family life,
Guardian of virgins,
Mainstay of families,
Consolation of the afflicted,
Terror of demons,
Protector of holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, 0 Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Let us pray. 0 God, who in your ineffable providence deigned to choose blessed Joseph as the spouse
of your most holy Mother, grant, we pray, that we have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on
Earth we venerate as our protector; Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
******
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