Novena for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph
Introduction
Saint Joseph occupies a special place among the cloud of witnesses in heaven. In the Collect (opening prayer) for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19, the Church recalls how he watched over the beginnings of the mysteries of human salvation in the life of Christ. Christ wills to repeat those very same mysteries in our lives. In us, Christ wills to be born, to die, to rise, and to ascend to the Father’s right hand. Saint Joseph, who faithfully cared for the beginnings of these mysteries, faithfully cares for us as these mysteries are perpetuated in our hearts, homes, and communities.
The USCCB has composed this novena to be prayed yearly on March 10-18, the nine days that precede the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19. Each day of the novena is accompanied by a reflection video from bishops across the United States. The novena may also be adapted for use at other times of the year, especially feasts celebrating Saint Joseph and occasions when his intercession is sought by the faithful.
Novena for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph
March 10 – The Genealogy
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall God’s divine plan,
which foresaw and led to the person of Saint Joseph.
"Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah" (Mt 1:16).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. Praise the LORD, for he is good;
R. for his mercy endures forever.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Illustrious Son of David, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of abandonment to Divine Providence.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 11 – The Betrothal
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall Saint Joseph's vocation as husband of Mary,
in which he receives and reveres Mary as God's gift.
"The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary" (Lk 1:26-27).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. Magnify the LORD with me;
R. and let us exalt his name together.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Spouse of the Mother of God, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of reverence for the human person.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 12 – The Annunciation to Joseph
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall Saint Joseph's obedience to the angel.
"When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home" (Mt 1:24).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. I delight to do your will, my God;
R. your law is in my inner being!
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Foster-father of the Son of God, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of obedience to the will of the Father.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 13 – The Nativity
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall the birth of our Savior,
whom Joseph and Mary are the first to adore.
"So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child" (Lk 2:16-17).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. The LORD has made his victory known;
R. has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Watchful Defender of Christ, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of adoration.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 14 – The Naming
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall the service of authority which Saint Joseph carries out in the Holy Family.
"When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb" (Lk 2:21).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
R. put all things at his feet.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Head of the Holy Family, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace to accept God's upward calling in Christ Jesus.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 15 – The Presentation
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall the worship that Saint Joseph and Our Lady offer God in the temple.
"When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and to offer the sacrifice" (Lk 2:22, 24).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD.
R. My heart and flesh cry out for the living God.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Joseph most faithful, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of true worship.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 16 – The Flight to Egypt
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall the flight to Egypt,
in which Saint Joseph spares nothing to defend Christ and Our Lady.
"Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt" (Mt 2:14).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. I have chosen David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him.
R. My hand will be with him; my arm will make him strong.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Protector of the Church, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace to bravely overcome every evil.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 17 – The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall the faithfulness of Saint Joseph and Mary in the midst of confusion.
"But they did not understand what he said to them. He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart" (Lk 2:50-51).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. Make known to me your ways, LORD;
R. teach me your paths.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Solace of the Afflicted, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of peace even when we do not fully understand your ways.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
March 18 – The Death of Saint Joseph
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As the Solemnity of Saint Joseph approaches, we recall Saint Joseph's joyful acceptance of death in God's time.
"The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them" (Wis 3:1).
A brief period of silence is observed.
V. You will show me the path to life,
R. the delights at your right hand forever.
Concluding Prayer
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
O Patron of the Dying, obtain for us through your divine Son
the grace of a happy death.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
All Scripture references are from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Excerpts from Pope Francis, Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (December 8, 2020) © 2020 Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Used with permission. All rights reserved.