
St Joseph was a “just man” as acknowledged by the Holy Ghost–chosen as the foster father of Jesus Christ and spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. While the martyrs held the earliest veneration in the Church, the public devotion to St Joseph can be found around the 4th century. In the west he was especially popularized later by St Bernard, St Thomas Aquinas, St Gertrude, and St Bridget of Sweden, and into the 15th century by St Vincent Ferrer, St Bernadine of Siena, and others. From there, the Roman Calendar, litanies, and other devotions saw more and more of this most noble Saint. Pope Pius IX declared the Holy Patriarch Joseph, the patron of the Catholic Church and established that his feast day (March 19) should from thenceforth be celebrated as a solemnity. Indulgences were also added to many of his devotions.
St. Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, Carpenters, Doubters, Travelers, House Hunters, and of a Happy Death.
Prayer to St. Joseph | Oratio ad Sanctum Iosephum
This prayer was written by Leo XIII and attached to his Encyclical, Quamquam Pluries. It has been recommended to be included at the end of the Rosary, especially during the month of October.
Partial Indulgence
Ad te beate Ioseph, in tribulatione nostra confugimus, atque, implorato Sponsae tuae sanctissimae auxilio, patrocinium quoque tuum fidenter exposcimus.
Per eam, quaesumus quae te cum immaculata Virgine Dei Genetrice coniunxit, caritatem, perque paternum, quo Puerum Iesum amplexus es, amorem, supplices deprecamur, ut ad hereditatem, quam Iesus Christus acquisivit Sanguine suo, benignus respicias, ac necessitatibus nostris tua virtute et ope succurras.
Tuere, o Custos providentissime divinae Familiae, Iesu Christi sobolem electam; prohibe a nobis, amantissime Pater, omnem errorum ac corruptelarum luem; propitius nobis, sospitator noster fortissime, in hoc cum potestate tenebrarum certamine e caelo adesto; et sicut olim Puerum Iesum e summo eripuisti vitae discrimine, ita nunc Ecclesiam sanctam Dei ab hostilibus insidiis atque ab omni adversitate defende: nosque singulos perpetuo tege patrocinio, ut ad tui exemplar et ope tua suffulti, sancte vivere, pie emori, sempiternamque in caelis beatitudinem assequi possimus. Amen.
To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations, and while imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and by the fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood and to help us in our necessities, by thy powerful intercession.
Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving Father, all taint of error and corruption; graciously assist us from Heaven, O most powerful protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity.
Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that, imitating thy example and supported by thy aid, we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death, and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen.

Commemoration of St. Joseph | Commemoratio Sancti Ioseph
Ecce fidelis servus et prudens, quem constituit Dominus super familiam suam. | Behold a faithful and wise servant, whom the Lord hath set over His household. |
V. Gloria et divitiae in domo eius. R. Et iustitia eius manet in saeculum saeculi. | V. Glory and riches shall be in his house. R. And his justice shall endureth for ever and ever. |
Oremus Deus, qui ineffabili providentia beatum Ioseph sanctissimae Genetricis tuae sponsum eligere dignatus es: praesta quaesumus, ut quem protectorem veneramur in terris, intercessorem habere mereamur in caelis. Qui vivis et regnas… Amen. | Let us pray: O God, who by Thine unspeakable Providence didst vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the Spouse of Thy most holy Mother: mercifully grant that as we venerate him for our Protector on earth, we may be found worthy to be aided by his intercession in heaven. Thou who livest and reignest… Amen. |
Litany of St Joseph | Litaniae Sancti Ioseph
Partial Indulgence
Kyrie, eleison. R. Christe, eleison. | Lord, have mercy on us. R. Christ, have mercy on us. |
Kyrie, eleison. Christe, exaudi nos. R. Christe, audi nos. | Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. R. Christ, graciously hear us. |
Pater de caelis, Deus, R. miserere nobis. | God the Father of heaven, R. have mercy on us. |
Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, R. miserere nobis. | God the Son, Redeemer of the world, R. have mercy on us. |
Spiritus Sancte Deus, R. miserere nobis. | God the Holy Spirit, R. have mercy on us. |
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, R. miserere nobis. | Holy Trinity, one God, R. have mercy on us. |
Sancta Maria, R. ora pro nobis. | Holy Mary, R. pray for us. |
Sancte Ioseph, R. ora pro nobis. | St. Joseph, R. pray for us. |
Proles David inclyta, R. ora pro nobis. | Renowned offspring of David, R. pray for us. |
Lumen Patriarcharum, R. ora pro nobis. | Light of Patriarchs, R. pray for us. |
Dei Genetricis Sponse, R. ora pro nobis. | Spouse of the Mother of God, R. pray for us. |
Custos pudice Virginis, R. ora pro nobis. | Chaste guardian of the Virgin, R. pray for us. |
Filii Dei nutricie, R. ora pro nobis. | Foster father of the Son of God, R. pray for us. |
Christi defensor sedule, R. ora pro nobis. | Diligent protector of Christ, R. pray for us. |
Almae Familiae praeses, R. ora pro nobis. | Head of the Holy Family, R. pray for us. |
Ioseph iustissime, R. ora pro nobis. | Joseph most just, R. pray for us. |
Ioseph castissime, R. ora pro nobis. | Joseph most chaste, R. pray for us. |
Ioseph prudentissime, R. ora pro nobis. | Joseph most prudent, R. pray for us. |
Ioseph fortissime, R. ora pro nobis. | Joseph most strong, R. pray for us. |
Ioseph oboedientissime, R. ora pro nobis. | Joseph, most obedient, R. pray for us. |
Ioseph fidelissime, R. ora pro nobis. | Joseph most faithful, R. pray for us. |
Speculum patientiae, R. ora pro nobis. | Mirror of patience, R. pray for us. |
Amator paupertatis, R. ora pro nobis. | Lover of poverty, R. pray for us. |
Exemplar opificum, R. ora pro nobis. | Model of artisans, R. pray for us. |
Domesticae vitae decus, R. ora pro nobis. | Glory of home life, R. pray for us. |
Custos virginum, R. ora pro nobis. | Guardian of virgins, R. pray for us. |
Familiarum columen, R. ora pro nobis. | Pillar of families, R. pray for us. |
Solatium miserorum, R. ora pro nobis. | Solace of the wretched, R. pray for us. |
Spes aegrotantium, R. ora pro nobis. | Hope of the sick, R. pray for us. |
Patrone morientium, R. ora pro nobis. | Patron of the dying, R. pray for us. |
Terror daemonum, R. ora pro nobis. | Terror of the demons, R. pray for us. |
Protector sanctae Ecclesiae, R. ora pro nobis. | Protector of Holy Church, R. pray for us. |
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, R. parce nobis, Domine. | Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, R. spare us, O Lord. |
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, R. exaudi nobis, Domine. | Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, R. graciously hear us, O Lord. |
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, R. miserere nobis. | Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, R. have mercy on us. |
V. Constituit eum dominum domus suae. R. Et principem omnis possessionis suae. | V. He made him the lord of his household. R. And prince over all his possessions. |
Oremus Deus, qui in ineffabili providentia beatum Ioseph sanctissimae Genetricis tuae Sponsum eligere dignatus es, praesta, quaesumus, ut quem protectorem veneramur in terris, intercessorem habere mereamur in caelis: Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen. | Let us pray O God, in Thy ineffable providence Thou wert pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beg Thee, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector; Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen. |

Memorare of St Joseph
Memorare, o purissime Sponse Virginis Mariae, o dulcis Protector mi, sancte Ioseph, non esse auditum a saeculo, quemquem ad tua implorantem auxilia, tua petentem suffragia, esse derelictum. Ego tali animatus confidentia ad te venio, tibique fervide me commendo. Noli, quaeso, o Pater putative Redemptoris, verba mea despicere, sed audi propitius. Amen.
Remember, oh most pure Spouse of the Virgin Mary, my sweet Protector Saint Joseph, never was it heard that anyone who implored thy help nor sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I come to thee and to thee do I fervently commend myself. Despise not my petitions, I beseech thee, foster Father of the Redeemer, but graciously hear them. Amen.
Invocation of Holy Joseph
Indulgenced 300 days, once a day. – Raccolta
Fac nos innocuam, Joseph, decurrere vitam, sitque tuo semper tuta patrocinio.
Grant, O holy Joseph, that, ever secure under thy protection, we may pass our lives without guilt.

Memento nostri, beate Ioseph | Be mindful of us, O Blessed Joseph
Prayer of St Bernadine of Siena.
Indulgenced 100 days, once a day. – Raccolta
Memento nostri, beate Ioseph, et tuae orationis suffragio apud tuum putativum Filium intercede; sed et beatissimam Virginem Sponsam tuam nobis propitiam redde, quae Mater est Eius, qui cum Patre et Spiritu Sancto vivit et regnat per infinita saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Be mindful of us, O Blessed Joseph, and intercede for us with thy foster-Son by the pleading of thy prayer: do thou, in like manner, render the blessed Virgin Mary, thy Spouse, gracious unto us, for she is the Mother of Him, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.

Ioseph, Virgo Pater Iesu | Joseph, Virgin-Father of Jesus
Indulgenced 100 days, once a day. – Raccolta
O Ioseph, virgo Pater Iesu, purissime Sponse Virginis Mariae, quotidie deprecare pro nobis ipsum Iesum Filium Dei, ut, armis suae gratiae muniti legitime certantes in vita, ab eodem coronemur in morte. Amen.
Oh Joseph, virgin-father of Jesus, most pure Spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray every day for us to the same Jesus, the Son of God, that we, being defended by the power of His grace and striving dutifully in life, may be crowned by Him at the Hour of death. Amen.
Guardian of Virgins | Virginum Custos
Indulgenced 100 days, once a day. – Raccolta
VIRGINUM custos, et pater Sancte Joseph, cujus fideli custodiæ ipsa innocentia CHRISTUS JESUS, et Virgo virginum, Maria commissa fuit; te per hoc utrumque carissimum pignus, JESUM et Mariam, obsecro, et obtestor, ut me ab omni immunditia præservatum, mente incontaminata, puro corde et casto corpore JESU et Mariæ semper facias castissime famulari. Amen.
GUARDIAN of virgins, and holy father Joseph, to whose faithful custody CHRIST JESUS Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed ; I pray and beseech thee, by these dear pledges, JESUS and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body, ever serve JESUS and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.

Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St Joseph
The following meditations were indulgenced from the Raccolta and are worth including based on their power and degree in which they invoke the holy Patriarch St Joseph. Here included in English for their meditations, the Paters, Ave’s, and Glorias are appropriately prayed in sacred Latin.
I – PURE spouse of most holy Mary, glorious St Joseph, the trouble and anguish of thy heart were great when, being in sore perplexity, thou wast minded to put away thy stainless spouse; yet was thy joy inexpressible when the Archangel revealed to thee the sublime mystery of the Incarnation. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee comfort our souls now and in their last pains with the consolation of a well-spent life, and a holy death like unto thy own, with JESUS and Mary at our side. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
II – MOST blessed Patriarch, glorious St Joseph, chosen to the office of Father of the Word made Man, the pain was keen that thou didst feel when thou didst see the Infant JESUS born in abject poverty; but thy pain was changed into heavenly joy when thou didst hear the harmony of angel-choirs, and behold the glory of that night. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee obtain for us that, when the journey of our life is ended, we too may pass to that blessed land where we shall hear the angel-chants, and rejoice in the bright light of heavenly glory. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
III – O THOU who wast ever most obedient in executing the law of GOD, glorious St Joseph, thy heart was pierced with pain when the precious Blood of the Infant SAVIOUR was shed at his Circumcision ; but with the Name of JESUS new life and heavenly joy returned to thee. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that, being freed, while we still live, from every vice, we too may cheerfully die with the sweet Name of JESUS in our hearts and on our lips. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
IV – MOST faithful Saint, glorious St Joseph, who wast admitted to take part in the redemption of man ; the prophecy of Simeon foretelling the sufferings of JESUS and Mary caused thee a pang like that of death, but, at the same time, by his prediction of the salvation and glorious resurrection of innumerable souls, filled thee with great joy. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, help us with thy prayers to be of the number of those who, by the merits of JESUS and the intercession of his Virgin Mother, shall be partakers of the resurrection to glory. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
V – MOST watchful Guardian, glorious St Joseph, who wast so intimately familiar with the Incarnate SON of GOD, greatly thou didst toil to nurture and to serve the SON of the Most High, especially in the flight thou madest with Him into Egypt; greatly also didst thou rejoice to have GOD Himself always with thee, and to see the overthrow of the idols of Egypt. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us grace to keep far out of the reach of the enemy of our souls, by quitting all dangerous occasions, that so no idol of earthly affection may any longer occupy a place in our hearts, but that, being entirely devoted to the service of JESUS and Mary, we may live and die for them alone. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
VI – ANGEL on earth, glorious St Joseph, who didst so wonder to see the King of Heaven obedient to thy bidding, the consolation thou hadst at his return from Egypt was disturbed by the fear of Archelaus, but nevertheless, being reassured by the angel, thou didst go back and dwell happily at Nazareth, in the company of JESUS and Mary. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that, having our hearts freed from idle fears, we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, dwelling safely with JESUS and Mary, and dying at last in their arms. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
VII – EXAMPLE of holy living, glorious St Joseph, when through no fault of thine thou didst lose JESUS, the Holy Child, thou didst search for Him with great sorrow for three days, until with joy unspeakable thou didst find Him, who was thy Life, amidst the doctors in the Temple. By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee with our whole hearts so to interpose always in our behalf, that we may never lose JESUS by mortal sin, and if we are at any time so wretched as to lose Him, then we pray thee to aid us to seek Him with unwearied sorrow until we find Him, particularly in the hour of our death, that we may pass from this life to enjoy Him for ever in heaven, there to sing with thee his divine mercies without end. Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory be .
Ant. JESUS Himself was about thirty years old, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph.
V/. Pray for us, holy Joseph.
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of CHRIST.
Let us pray. O GOD, who in thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of thy most holy Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy Protector. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.