St. Joseph, pray for us!

3/19/26

Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Protector of Families, Patron of Fathers, the Unborn, Pregnant Women and Workers. He is also Patron of the Dying, for a happy, peaceful and holy death and Guardian and Protector of the Universal Church. 

"Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families."  Saint Pope John Paul II

Saint Joseph, spouse of the Virgin Mary, is the guardian of fathers, families, those in need, workers, travelers, the persecuted, the poor, the aged and the dying. He accepted the role entrusted to him by God by faithfully listening to the Lord, seeking to understand His Will and obeying it with his whole heart and strength. This is why the Gospel describes him as a "just" man. The just man is the person who prays, lives by faith, and seeks to do good in every concrete circumstance of life.

Parent's Prayer to Saint Joseph
O glorious Saint Joseph, to you God committed the care of His only begotten Son amid the many dangers of this world. We come to you and ask you to take under your special protection the children God has given us. Through holy baptism they became children of God and members of His holy Church. We consecrate them to you today, that through this consecration they may become your foster children. Guard them, guide their steps in life, form their hearts after the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Diary of Saint Faustina 1203  "Saint Joseph urged me to have a constant devotion to him. He himself told me to recite three prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be) and the Memorare to Saint Joseph once a day. He looked at me with great kindness and gave me to know how much he is supporting this work (of mercy). He has promised me this special help and protection. I recited the requested prayers every day and felt his special protection."

Memorare to Saint Joseph

Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, we come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not our petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.

Saint Theresa of Avila's devotion to Saint Joseph  "I took for my advocate and lord the glorious Saint Joseph and commended myself earnestly to him; and I found that this my father and lord delivered me both from this trouble and also from other and greater troubles concerning my honor and the loss of my soul, and that he gave me greater blessings than I could ask of him. I do not remember even now that I ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant."

Saint Joseph, intercede for us, pray for all families, protect and guard them as you do Mary and the Child Jesus.