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St Joseph Patron Saint Of The Universal Church

PRAYERS : Our prayers are usually directed to Our God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Holy Virgin. Most of us also include a favourite saint of their own. It is therefore strange that not very many seem to include St. Joseph in their prayers, the kind hearted foster father of Jesus, Our Lord and Redeemer. Yet, St Joseph is known to grant most of the prayers that are asked of Him than any other Saint.

In the Autobiography of St Teresa of Avila, chapter 6; She writes, "I do not remember even now that I ever asked anything of St Joseph which he has failed to grant. . To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succour us in some of our necessities, but of this glorious saint my experience is that he succours us in them all..."

For a prayer to be granted one must have total faith. He or she must also ask that what is acceptably good for one both physically and spiritually, these two conditions are the necessary links for a successful prayer.

Take my word for it!

For some time, I needed either earthly [medical] or heavenly intervention. The first failed miserably. The second was not working too well. I can't remember how it came about, but a kindly Franciscan priest friend of mine, and a devotee to St Joseph prayed for me during Mass on St Joseph's Day. It was from that day onwards that I had started to receive His grace of more distinctly comfortable days. That was the day that St Joseph was brought fully to my attention. I must assure one and all that, I am not the kind to be easily fooled or self hypnotised. Medical records show my problem, and I felt it.

I intend to leave it at that. I add here under the Novena to St Joseph. Don't take my word for it. Prove it to yourself.

Note :
The prayer that follows is traced back to the 50th year A.D. In the 1500's it was sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle. Sat this prayer for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail, so be sure you really want what you ask.

Imprimatur Most Rev. George W. Ahr, Bishop of Trenton

PRAYER

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your 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. Saint Joseph, patron of departing souls, Pray for me .

Novena to Saint Joseph

O Glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you do I [we] raise my [our] heart[s] and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all helps and graces necessary for my [our]spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special favour I [we] now implore [here name your petition, then say the following 7-times in honour of the seven sorrows and joys of Saint Joseph].

Oh Glorious Saint Joseph, through the love you bore to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his holy Name, deign to hear our prayers and obtain for me [us} my [our] petitions. O Jesus, Mary and Joseph, come to my [our] assistance. Amen.

Additional prayers, not part of the Novena

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, Have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear is.
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.
Holu Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us
St. Joseph, pray for us
Renowned offspring of David, pray for us
Light of patriarchs, pray for us
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us
Foster father of the son of God, pray for us
Diligent protector of Christ, pray for us
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us
Joseph most just, pray for us
Joseph most chaste, pray for us
Joseph most prudent, pray for us
Joseph most strong, pray for us
Joseph most obedient, pray for us
Joseph most faithful, pray for us
Mirror of patience, pray for us
Lover of poverty, pray for us
Model of artisans, pray for us
Glory of home life, pray for us
Guardian of virgins, pray for us
Pillar of families, pray for us
Solace of the wretched, pray for us
Hope of the sick, pray for us
Patron of the dying, pray for us
Terror of demons, pray for us
Protector of holy Church, pray for us
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, graciouslu hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us..

V. He made his the Lord of his household.
R. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray: O God, in you ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.
R. Amen.

Cord of Saint Joseph

The cord of Saint Joseph originated in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1657 with the miraculous cure of a devoted Augustinian nun, Sister Elizabeth. After a three year severe and painful illness, the physicians had given up hope of curing her and expected her death. But the nun made a cord and had it blessed in the Saint's honour and put it around her waist. A few days later when praying before St Joseph's statue she was suddenly freed from the pain. Her recovery was considered miraculous and the devotion spread. Numerous special graces were obtained through it's use. It was not used merely as a remedy against bodily ailments but also as a spiritual aid to preserve the virtue of purity. The devotion was approved by the Sacred Congregation of rights on September 19, 1859. It was also blessed and approved by Pope Pius IX who approved a spacial formula for the blessing of the cord of St Joseph.

A white cord braided of 100% cotton 1 end with a knot and 7 knots at one end which hang down after the cord is tied around the waist. The 7 knots are in honour of the 7 sorrows and 7 joys of St. Joseph. It should be blessed by a priest and worn around the waist.

Meditate on each of the 7 sorrows and joys, and say I Our father, hail Mary and Glory be after each.

One who wears the cord should say 7 Glory Be daily in honour of St. Joseph along with the prayer for purity

Prayer for purity

Oh guardian of Virgins and holy father St. Joseph, into whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins. 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 life.

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