Novena for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 10th:
The Genealogy
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall God’s divine plan, which foresaw and led to the person of St. Joseph. “Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.” (Mt 1:16)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. Praise the LORD, for he is good;
R. for his mercy endures forever.
O Illustrious Son of David, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of abandonment to Divine Providence.
March 11th:
The Betrothal
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall St. Joseph’s vocation as the husband of Mary, in which he receives and reveres Mary as God’s gift “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Lk 1:26-27)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. Magnify the LORD with me;
R. And let us exalt his name together.
O Spouse of the Mother of God, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of reverence for the human person.
March 12th:
The Annunciation to Joseph
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall St. Joseph’s obedience to the angel. “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the
Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.” (Mt 1:24)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. I delight to do your will, my God;
R. Your law is in my inner being!
O Foster-father of the Son of God, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of obedience to the will of the Father.
March 13th:
The Nativity
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall the birth of Our Savior, whom Joseph and Mary are the first to adore.“So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.” (Lk 2:16-17)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. The LORD has made his victory known;
R. has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations.
O Watchful Defender of Christ, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of adoration.
March 14th:
The Naming
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall the service of authority which St. Joseph carries out in the Holy Family. “When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Lk 2:21)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
R. put all things at his feet.
O Head of the Holy Family, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace to accept God’s upward calling in Christ Jesus.
March 15th:
The Presentation
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall the worship that St. Joseph and Our Lady offer God in the temple. “When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to offer the sacrifice.” (Lk 2:22, 24)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. My soul yearns and pines for the courts of theLORD.
R. My heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
O Joseph most faithful, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of true worship.
March 16th:
The Flight to Egypt
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall the flight to Egypt, in which St. Joseph spares nothing to defend Christ and Our Lady. “Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt.” (Mt 2:14)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.
R. My hand will be with him; my arm will make him strong.
O Protector of the Church, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace to bravely overcome every evil.
March 17th:
Finding Jesus in the Temple
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall the faithfulness of St. Joseph and Mary in the midst of confusion. “But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them, and his mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Lk 2:50-51)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. Make known to me your ways, LORD;
R. teach me your paths.
O Solace of the Afflicted, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of peace even when we do not fully understand your ways.
March 18th:
The Death of St. Joseph
As the solemnity of St. Joseph approaches, we recall St. Joseph’s joyful acceptance of death in God's time. “The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” (Wis 3:1-3)
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. You will show me the path to life,
R. the delights at your right hand forever.
O Patron of the Dying, obtain for us through your divine Son the grace of a happy death. Blessed Joseph, to us too, show yourself a father and guide us in the path of life. Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage, and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you, Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.