The St. Joseph Novena is a traditional Catholic prayer that is said for nine consecutive days in honor of St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. The novena is a way to ask for St. Joseph’s intercession and to seek his help, guidance, and protection.
The novena consists of a specific prayer that is recited every day for nine days. The prayer begins with an invocation to St. Joseph and continues with specific intentions, such as for help with work or family matters, or for the grace to live a virtuous life. The prayer ends with a plea for St. Joseph’s intercession and a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.
The St. Joseph Novena is typically prayed in the days leading up to the feast day of St. Joseph on March 19th, but it can be prayed at any time of the year. It is a powerful and popular devotion among Catholics and is often turned to for help in a wide variety of circumstances.
There are several different versions of the St. Joseph Novena, but here is one common version of the prayer:
Oh, 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.
Oh, 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.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of 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 us.
Note that the Novena is typically prayed for nine consecutive days with the intention of seeking St. Joseph’s intercession and assistance in various needs and challenges, particularly in matters related to family, work, and home.
