Liturgical Calendar Information for
Catholic Prayers
Prayers and Devotions for special reflection this month
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 you all my interests and desires. O St. 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 may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. 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. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen
This prayer was said to be founded in the fiftieth year of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. In the 1500’s it was sent by a Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. According to oral tradition, whoever reads this prayer or hears it or carries it, will never die a sudden death, nor be drowned, nor will poison take effect on them. They will not fall into the hands of the enemy nor be burned in any fire, no will they be defeated in battle. One can say it for nine days as a novena. (excerpt from pg. 19 of The Original Pieta Prayer Book).