ST. JOSEPH NOVENA starts tomorrow

Tomorrow will mark the start of the Novena to St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus and True Spouse of the Virgin Mary. His powerful intercession can help us in these trying times if we but ask. There are many prayers and novenas to this wonderful, almost forgotten patron saint, out there. It's too bad so many have put him on the back burner of their life. He can help us fathers out there to be better examples to our children. Following is a couple of novena prayers:

An Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.

O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy 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 me.



Glorious St. Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you do I raise my heart and hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind Heart of Jesus welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death, and the special favor I now implore (Name the request).

Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His Name,
R. Hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.