Prayer for a Happy Death 

O Glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase in me the spirit of prayer and fervour in the service of God. Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have time to confess my sins sacramentally, and to bewail them with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul into the hands of Jesus and Mary. 

Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church 

O most powerful patriarch, Saint Joseph, patron of that universal Church which has always invoked thee in anxieties and tribulations; from the lofty seat of thy glory lovingly regard the Catholic world. Let it move thy paternal heart to see the mystical spouse of Christ and His vicar weakened by sorrow and persecuted by powerful enemies. 

We beseech thee, by the most bitter suffering thou didst experience on earth, to wipe away in mercy the tears of the revered pontiff, to defend and liberate him, and to intercede with the Giver of peace and charity, that every hostile power being overcome and every error being destroyed, the whole Church may serve the God of all blessings in perfect liberty. Amen.

Act of Offering to the Patriarch Saint Joseph 

Most glorious Patriarch, chastest spouse of the great Mother of God, and reputed father of my Lord Jesus Christ, my loving St. Joseph, confiding in the greatness of thy holiness, and inflamed with the love which Jesus and Mary bore thee, I choose thee this day in their presence to be my especial protector, advocate, and patron; and I firmly purpose to keep this devotion to thee always burning within my heart. 

And since I know that thou wert appointed by the eternal Father to be the head of the holy family upon earth, I desire to be one of its devoted servants and friends, and I beg of thee to admit me into the number. I desire, unworthy sinner though I be, to render to thee also the homage which I pay to the Infant Jesus and to his Virgin Mother. 

I beseech thee also, O my most glorious father, St. Joseph, to obtain for me, through thy great merits and by thy most powerful intercession, the grace to imitate in my life thy most holy conversation with Jesus and Mary, so that I too, like thyself, may enjoy the assistance of Jesus and of Mary at my death, and in their arms may breathe forth my soul, saying, Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, I give you my heart and my soul. Amen. 

An Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be, to St. Joseph. 

Let us pray. O God, who by the holy family of the Incarnate Word hast consecrated the whole earth, and hast, in Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, given to us the pattern of holy living, grant that we, who by this blessed three implore of thee the grace of holy living, may, together with the angels, come to praise thee in heaven, who livest in thy blissful and undivided trinity of persons, world without end. Amen

Prayers in Honour of Saint Joseph 

Special favours have been obtained by the recitation of the following prayers in honour of St. Joseph: 

O glorious St. Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare; particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favour we now implore. 

(Here mention or reflect upon your lawful requests) 

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

(Pray the following versicle seven times, in honour of the seven joys and sorrows of saint Joseph)

 V. O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His name. 

R. Hear our prayers, and obtain our petitions. 

PRAYER O glorious St. Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin obtain for me a pure, humble and charitable mind and perfect resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide, father and model through life that I may merit to die as thou didst in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

Invocations to Saint Joseph 

Hail Joseph, image of God the Father. 

Hail Joseph, father of God the Son. 

Hail Joseph, temple of the Holy Ghost. 

Hail Joseph, beloved of the Holy Trinity. 

Hail Joseph, most faithful helper in the great plan of Redemption. 

Hail Joseph, most worthy spouse of the Virgin Mother. 

Hail Joseph, father of all the faithful. 

Hail Joseph, guardian of holy virgins. Hail Joseph, greatest lover of poverty.  

Hail Joseph, example of meekness and patience. 

Hail Joseph, mirror of humility and obedience. 

Blessed art thou among all men. 

And blessed are thine eyes, which have seen what thou hast seen. 

And blessed are thine ears, which have heard what thou hast heard. 

And blessed are thy hands, which have touched the Word Incarnate.

And blessed are thine arms, which have carried the One Who carries all things. 

And blessed is thy breast, on which the Son of God most sweetly reposed. 

And blessed is thy heart, kindled with most ardent love. 

And blessed be the Eternal Father, Who chose thee. 

And blessed be the Son, Who loved thee. And blessed be the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified thee. 

And blessed be Mary, thy spouse, who loved thee as a spouse and a brother. 

And blessed be the Angel who guarded thee. 

And blessed be forever all who bless thee and who love thee.

Father Jean-Jacques Olier, S.S., (1608 – 1657) 

Praises of Saint Joseph

These praises may be prayer in thanksgiving for favours received

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed by thy soul, which was adorned with all the virtues and gifts of the Holy Ghost.  Glory be 

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine intellect, which was full of the most sublime knowledge of God and was enlightened with revelations. Glory be . . . 

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thy will, which all inflamed with love for Jesus and Mary and always perfectly conformable to the Divine Will. Glory be . . . 

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine eyes, to which it was granted to look continually upon Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . . 

O holy Patriarch Joseph, ever blessed be thine ears, which merited to hear the sweet words of Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . . 

O dear St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy tongue, which continually praised God and with profound humility and reverence conversed with Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . . 

O chaste St. Joseph, ever blessed be thy most pure and loving heart, with which thou didst ardently love Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . . 

O holy Joseph, ever blessed be thy thoughts, words and actions, each and all of which ever tended to the service of Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . .  

O my Protector St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment of thy life in which thou didst most sweetly die in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . . 

O glorious St. Joseph, ever blessed be that moment in which thou didst enter into the eternal joys of Heaven. Glory be . . . 

O happy St. Joseph, ever blessed in eternity be every moment in which, until now, in union with all the Saints of Heaven, thou hast enjoyed the incomprehensible bliss of union with God, with Jesus and Mary. Glory be . . . 

O my dear Protector! Be ever blessed by me and by all creatures, for all eternity, with all the blessings which the Most Holy Trinity bestowed upon thee and with all the benedictions given thee by Jesus and Mary and by the whole Church. Glory be . . . 

O thrice holy Joseph, blessed in soul and body, in life and death, on earth and in Heaven. Obtain also for me, a poor sinner but nevertheless thy true and faithful client, a share in thy blessings, the grace to imitate thee ardently, and to love and faithfully serve Jesus, Mary, and thyself, and especially the happiness to die in thy holy arms. Amen.

Angelus of St. Joseph 

V. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.      R. “Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, into your home.” 

V. “For that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”     R. ”And she shall bring forth a son.” 

V. “And you shall call his name Jesus.”     R. ”Because He is the one who is to save His people from their sins.” 

V. Pray for us, O virgin father of Jesus.    R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. Pour forth we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ Your Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord, Amen.

Memorare to St. Joseph 

Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen. 

Oblates of St. Joseph Memorare 

Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my great protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection, or implored your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you. Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen

Consecration to St. Joseph 

O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen. 

Prayer to St. Joseph

   (Especially recommended to be said with the Rosary during the month of October) 

To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we now with hearts filled with confidence earnestly beg thee also to take us under thy protection. By that charity wherewith thou wast united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou wilt look down with gracious eyes upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His blood, and wilt succor us in our need by thy power and strength. Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen offspring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage that, following thy example, and strengthened by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death and attain to everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen. 

“A blameless life, St. Joseph, 

may we lead, 

by your kind patronage from danger freed.” 

Prayer for Success in Work 

GLORIOUS St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace -to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations; -to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop, by means of labor, the gifts received from God, without recoiling before weariness or difficulties; -to work, above all, with purity of intention, and with detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account which I must render 

-of time lost, 

-of talents wasted, 

-of good omitted, 

-of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. 

All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after thy example, O Patriarch St. Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and death.

A Tridio to St Joseph

—St. John Henry Newman

FIRST DAY: 

Consider the Glorious Titles of St. Joseph He was the true and worthy Spouse of Mary, supplying in a visible manner the place of Mary’s Invisible Spouse, the Holy Ghost. He was a virgin, and his virginity was the faithful mirror of the virginity of Mary. He was the Cherub, placed to guard the new terrestrial Paradise from the intrusion of every foe. 

Prayer on Each Day: 

V. Blessed be the name of Joseph.    R. Henceforth and forever. Amen. 

Let us pray. God, who in Thine ineffable Providence didst vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be made worthy to receive him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy Protector: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. 

SECOND DAY: 

Consider the Glorious Titles of St. Joseph His was the title of father of the Son of God, because he was the Spouse of Mary, ever Virgin. He was our Lord’s father, because Jesus ever yielded to him the obedience of a son. He was our Lord’s father, because to him were entrusted, and by him were faithfully fulfilled, the duties of a father, in protecting Him, giving Him a home, sustaining and rearing Him, and providing Him with a trade. 

[Prayer on Each Day] 

V. Blessed be the name of Joseph.     R. Henceforth and forever. Amen. 

Let us pray. God, who in Thine ineffable Providence didst vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be made worthy to receive him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy Protector: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. 

THIRD DAY: 

Consider the Glorious Titles of St. Joseph He is Holy Joseph, because according to the opinion of a great number of doctors, he, as well as St. John the Baptist, was sanctified even before he was born. He is Holy Joseph, because his office, of being spouse and protector of Mary, specially demanded sanctity. He is Holy Joseph, because no other Saint but he lived in such and so long intimacy and familiarity with the source of all holiness, Jesus, God incarnate, and Mary, the holiest of creatures. 

[Prayer on Each Day]

V. Blessed be the name of Joseph.     R. Henceforth and forever. Amen. 

Let us pray. God, who in Thine ineffable Providence didst vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be made worthy to receive him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy Protector: who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. 

Thirty Days Prayer to Saint Joseph 

- to be prayed on any 30 days of the year.

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph, kind and loving father, and helpful friend of all in sorrow! You are the good father and protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow. Look kindly on my request. My sins have drawn down on me the just displeasure of my God, and so I am surrounded with unhappiness. 

To you, loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth, do I go for help and protection. Listen, then, I beg you, with fatherly concern, to my earnest prayers, and obtain for me the favours I ask. 

I ask it by the infinite mercy of the eternal Son of God, which moved Him to take our nature and to be born into this world of sorrow. 

I ask it by the weariness and suffering you endured when you found no shelter at the inn of Bethlehem for the holy Virgin, nor a house where the Son of God could be born. Then, being everywhere refused, you had to allow the Queen of Heaven to give birth to the world's Redeemer in a cave. 

I ask it by that painful torture you felt at the prophecy of holy Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His holy Mother future victims of our sins and of their great love for us. 

I ask it through your sorrow and pain of soul when the angel declared to you that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies. From their evil plan you had to flee with Him and His Blessed Mother to Egypt. 

I ask it by all the suffering, weariness, and labours of that long and dangerous journey. 

I ask it by all your care to protect the Sacred Child and His Immaculate Mother during your second journey, when you were ordered to return to your own country. I ask it by your peaceful life in Nazareth where you met with so many joys and sorrows. 

I ask it by your great distress when the adorable Child was lost to you and His Mother for three days. 

I ask it by your joy at finding Him in the Temple, and by the comfort you found at Nazareth, while living in the company of the Child Jesus. I ask it by the wonderful submission He showed in His obedience to you. 

I ask it by the perfect love and conformity you showed in accepting the Divine order to depart from this life, and from the company of Jesus and Mary. 

I ask it by the joy which filled your soul, when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and hell, entered into the possession of His kingdom and led you into it with special honours. 

I ask it through Mary's glorious Assumption, and through that endless happiness you have with her in the presence of God. O good father! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows, and joys, to hear me and obtain for me what I ask. 

(Here make your request for Saint Joseph's intercession.) 

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Finally, my dear patron and father, be with me and all who are dear to me in our last moments, that we may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

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.

To pray a novena to St. Joseph, say for nine mornings for anything you may desire. 

It has never been known to fail, so be sure you really want what you ask. 

9 Day St. Joseph Novena 

Day 1: Oh God, guide of those who listen and helper of those who hear your voice, speak to me, as you did to St. Joseph, and help me accomplish the things you give me to do. 

Day 2: O God, you love your people and bless the ordinary lives we quietly live. As you blessed St. Joseph, bless what I do, however, hidden and simple it may be, and let all I do be done with love. 

Day 3: O God, ever faithful, you remember us always and in time reveal your blessings. Help me trust in you, as St. Joseph faithfully trusted, and never let me lose faith in the wonderful gifts you promise me. 

Day 4: God of families, bless the family that’s mine. Keep us safe from harm, and never let evil come between us. Let peace remain in our hearts. 

Day 5: O God, who loves children, be kind to our children today. Give them eyes of faith for seeing far, a loving heart for welcoming life, and a place always at your side. 

Day 6: God of our heavenly home, bless our home on earth. Let the spirit of Mary and Joseph rest at our table, shape our words and actions, and bring blessing to our children. 

Day 7: God, our Father, give your fatherly spirit to those who are fathers now. Like Joseph, give them hearts of devoted love for their wives and children and strength for forgiveness and patience. 

Day 8: Give shelter, O God, to those who need it, and bring together families divided. Give us enough to eat, and decent work to earn our bread. Care for us, O God. 

Day 9: Bless all families, O Lord especially those in need. Remembering the life of your Son, we pray for the poor, for those who lack a good home, for those in exile. Grant them a protector like Joseph, O God.

Prayer to St. Joseph after the Rosary 

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.

Additional Prayers 

Oh, Saint Joseph, foster-father of Jesus, most pure spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray for us daily to the same Jesus, the Son of God, that we, being defended by the power of His grace and striving faithfully in life, may be crowned by Him at the hour of death. Amen. 

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Amen. 

Blessed Joseph, husband of Mary, be with us this day. You protected and cherished the Virgin; loving the Child Jesus as your Son, you rescued Him from the danger of death. Defend the Church, the household of God, purchased by the Blood of Christ. Guardian of the Holy Family, be with us in our trials. May your prayers obtain for us the strength to flee from error and wrestle with the powers of corruption so that in life we may grow in holiness and in death rejoice in the crown of victory. Amen.