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Our patron

St. Joseph

Guardian of the Redeemer, head of the Holy Family, model of workers — and patron of In His Image since 1978.

Pray with us

Novena to St. Joseph

Nine days, nine scenes from Joseph's life in Scripture. The household prays it March 10–18, ending on his feast on March 19 — but you can start any day. Your progress is saved on this device.

Begin anytimeNext household novena starts March 10

Prayer to St. Joseph

Pope Leo XIII · Quamquam Pluries, 1889
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your 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 kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.

Leo XIII asked that this prayer be added to the Rosary during October, the month of the Rosary.

Memorare of St. Joseph

The household's prayer
Remember, O most pure Spouse of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph my beloved patron, that never has it been heard that anyone invoked thy patronage and sought thine aid without being comforted. Inspired by this confidence, I come to thee and fervently commend myself to thee. Ah, despise not my petition, dear Foster Father of our Redeemer, but accept it graciously.
Amen.

For a group

Litany of St. Joseph

One leads each line; all respond pray for us. In 2021 Pope Francis added seven invocations, marked below.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, pray for us.
  • Saint Joseph,
  • Illustrious son of David,
  • Light of Patriarchs,
  • Spouse of the Mother of God,
  • Guardian of the Redeemer,
  • Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
  • Foster father of the Son of God,
  • Diligent protector of Christ,
  • Servant of Christ,
  • Minister of salvation,
  • Head of the Holy Family,
  • Joseph most just,
  • Joseph most chaste,
  • Joseph most prudent,
  • Joseph most strong,
  • Joseph most obedient,
  • Joseph most faithful,
  • Mirror of patience,
  • Lover of poverty,
  • Model of workers,
  • Glory of home life,
  • Guardian of virgins,
  • Pillar of families,
  • Support in difficulties,
  • Solace of the wretched,
  • Hope of the sick,
  • Patron of exiles,
  • Patron of the afflicted,
  • Patron of the poor,
  • Patron of the dying,
  • Terror of demons,
  • Protector of Holy Church,
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. V. He made him the lord of his household, R. And prince over all his possessions. Let us pray. O God, who in your inexpressible providence chose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother: grant, we beg you, that we who venerate him as our protector on earth may be worthy to have him as our intercessor in heaven. Who live and reign for ever and ever.
Amen.

Traditional text (1909), with the seven invocations approved in 2021 placed where the Congregation for Divine Worship set them.

Go deeper

What the Church says about Joseph

Three papal documents, each written a century or so apart — read them in order and watch the picture fill in.

  1. Start here · Encyclical, 1889

    Quamquam Pluries — Leo XIII

    Written in a hard season for the Church, it explains why Joseph, as head of the Holy Family, is the natural protector of the whole Church — and gives us the prayer above.

    Read on vatican.va ↗
  2. Go deeper · Apostolic exhortation, 1989

    Redemptoris Custos — St. John Paul II

    "Guardian of the Redeemer." A careful walk through the Gospels showing how Joseph's marriage, work, and silent obedience served the mystery of the Incarnation.

    Read on vatican.va ↗
  3. Most personal · Apostolic letter, 2020

    Patris Corde — Pope Francis

    "With a father's heart." Seven short portraits of Joseph as a father — beloved, tender, obedient, accepting, creatively courageous, working, and hidden in the shadows. A great read for men.

    Read on vatican.va ↗

Feasts to keep: St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary — March 19 · St. Joseph the Worker — May 1. The USCCB also publishes a printable novena.

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