Lord, have mercy. Christ, 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(after each line) Saint Joseph, Renowned offspring of David, Light of Patriarchs, Spouse of the Mother of God, Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Foster-father of the Son of God, Diligent protector of Christ, 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 artisans, Glory of home life, Guardian of virgins, Pillar of families, Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick, Patron of the dying, error of demons, Protector of Holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. V. He made him the lord of His house: R. And ruler of all His substance. Let us pray. O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Seven Sundays of St. Joseph
Joseph shared the happiness-but also the sufferings-of Mary. The Seven Sundays Devotion honors the seven joys and sorrows of St. Joseph. It starts on the seventh Sunday before March 19 (the last Sunday of January or the first Sunday of February). The prayers are traditional. In addition to praying the prayers each Sunday, one should attend Mass and receive Holy Communion in a state of grace. Those who are homebound may make an act of spiritual communion. Begin January 29, 2017.
First Sunday
His sorrow when he decided to leave the Blessed Virgin; his joy when the angel told him the mystery of the Incarnation.
Prayer 0 chaste spouse of Mary, great was the trouble and anguish of your heart when you were considering quietly sending away your inviolate spouse; yet your joy was unspeakable, when the surpassing mystery of the Incarnation was made known to you by the angel. By this sorrow and this joy, we beseech you to comfort our souls, both now and in the sorrows of our final hour, with the joy of a good life and a holy death after the pattern of your own life and death in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Our Father... , Hail Mary..., Glory Be...,
Second Sunday
His sorrow when he saw Jesus born in poverty; his joy when the angels announced Jesus' birth.
Prayer 0 most blessed patriarch, glorious Saint Joseph, who were chosen to be the foster father of the Word made flesh, your sorrow at seeing the child Jesus born in such poverty was suddenly changed into heavenly exultation when you heard the angelic hymn and beheld the glories of that resplendent night. By this sorrow and this joy, we implore you to obtain for us the grace to pass over from life's pathway to hear angelic songs of praise and to rejoice in the shining splendor of celestial glory.Our Father..., Hail Mary... , Glory Be...,
Third Sunday
His sorrow when he saw Jesus' blood shed in circumcision; his joy in giving him the name Jesus.
Prayer 0 glorious Saint Joseph, who faithfully obeyed the law of God, your heart was pierced at the sight of the most precious blood that was shed by the infant Savior during his circumcision, but the name of Jesus gave you new life and filled you with quiet joy. By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us the grace to be freed from all sin during life and to die rejoicing, with the holy name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips. Our Father..., Hail Mary... , Glory Be...,
Fourth Sunday
His sorrow when he heard the prophecy of Simeon; his joy when he learned that many would be saved through the sufferings of Jesus.
Prayer 0 most faithful Saint Joseph, who shared the mysteries of our redemption, the prophecy of Simeon, touching the sufferings of Jesus and Mary, caused you to shudder with mortal dread but at the same time filled you with a blessed joy for the salvation and glorious resurrection that would be attained by countless souls. By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that we may be of the number of those who, through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of Mary the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a glorious resurrection.Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory Be...,
Fifth Sunday
His sorrow when he had to flee to Egypt; his joy in being always with Jesus and Mary.
Prayer 0 most watchful guardian of the Son of God, glorious Saint Joseph, great was your toil in supporting and waiting upon the Son of God, especially during the flight into Egypt! Yet, how you rejoiced to have God himself always near you. By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us the grace that would keep us safe from the devil, especially the help we need to flee from dangerous situations. May we serve Jesus and Mary, and for them alone may we live and happily die.Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory Be...,
Sixth Sunday
His sorrow when he was afraid to return to his homeland;
his joy on being told by the angel to go to Nazareth.
Prayer O glorious Saint Joseph, you marveled to see the King of heaven obedient to your commands. Your consolation in bringing Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by your fear of Archelaus. Nevertheless, being assured by an angel, you lived in gladness at Nazareth with Jesus and Mary. By this sorrow and this joy, obtain for us that our hearts may be delivered from harmful fears, so that we may rejoice in peace of conscience and may live with Jesus and Mary, and, like you, may die in their company. Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory Be...,
Seventh Sunday
His sorrow when he lost the Child Jesus; his joy in finding him in the temple.
Prayer 0 glorious Saint Joseph, pattern of all holiness, when you lost the child Jesus, you sought him sorrowing for the space of three days, until with great joy you found him again in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors. By this sorrow and this joy, we ask you, with our hearts upon our lips, to keep us from ever having the misfortune of losing Jesus through mortal sin. Grant also that we always may seek him with unceasing sorrow, when we commit a serious sin, until we find him again, ready to show us his great mercy in the sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Father..., Hail Mary..., Glory Be...,
Concluding Prayer (Each Day)
Here the Litany of St. Joseph may be prayed, as a conclusion. Or the following prayer may be said.
V. Pray for us, blessed Joseph, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Let us pray. Almighty God, in your infinite wisdom and love you chose Joseph to be the husband of Mary, the mother of your Son. As we enjoy his protection on earth, may we have the help of his prayers in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.