Novena and Prayers To Saint Joseph The Workman

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH THE WORKMAN

Composed by Pope St. Pius X

O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop by labor the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account that I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St. Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen.

WORDS OF ST. TERESA OF AVILA

On St. Joseph and Those Devoted to Prayer

“Those persons who give themselves to prayer should in a special manner always have great devotion to St. Joseph, for I do not know how to think of the Queen of Angels during the time that she suffered so much with the Infant Jesus without giving thanks to St. Joseph for the aid he then afforded them. Let anyone who does not believe me try it for himself, and he will see how great an advantage it is to commend oneself to this glorious Patriarch and in being devoted to him.” —Autobiography, VI, 12

A POWERFUL NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH

From his autobiography of efficacy.

This novena has proved to be blessing to St. Joseph and helpful to souls.

This form of novena was originally devised by the celebrated Fr. Lallement, S.J. (1587–1633). It has proved particularly efficacious in obtaining favors through the intercession of St. Joseph. In the Life of this saintly priest, we read that on one occasion he urged two young priests to make this novena, promising that they would obtain everything they asked, provided that they would show him special honor and spread devotion to him among others.

Both did as Fr. Lallement suggested. One of them asked for a great grace in his ministry. Our Lord granted it. The next day he came to Fr. Lallement to tell him that, on reflection, he wished to ask for a different grace, which he considered more conducive to his perfection. Fr. Lallement replied, “It is too late now to ask for another grace. The first one has already been granted." This grace was conspicuously displayed throughout the whole course of the priest's life, as he became one of the most noted preachers and writers of his day.

How to Make this Novena

No particular prayers need be said for this novena. Every day for nine days, turn to St. Joseph in spirit four times during the day and honor him in the following four points. (These "visits" may be made anywhere at home, at work, on the street, in the car or bus - and at any time.)

1. During the first visit, consider St. Joseph’s fidelity to grace. Reflect upon the action of the Holy Ghost in his soul. At the conclusion of this meditation, thank God for so abundant a grace given to St. Joseph, and ask, through his intercession, for a similar grace.

2. Later in the day, consider St. Joseph’s fidelity to the interior life. Study his spirit of recollection. Think, thank God, and ask.

3. Later still, consider St. Joseph’s love for Our Lady. Think, thank God, and ask.

4. Finally, in a fourth visit, reflect upon St. Joseph’s love for the Divine Child. Think, thank God, and ask.

Prayer Which May Be Said at the Conclusion of the Visits

(These prayers are suggested for Reflection for a Novena to St. Joseph by Sister Emily Joseph, C.S.J.)

1.O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph’s great fidelity to grace. Grant that, through his loving intercession and the power of his example, I too may be faithful to the grace of God.O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me the favor I ask. (Name your request.)

2.O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph’s great faithfulness to the interior life. Grant that, through his loving intercession and the power of his example, I too may be faithful to the interior life.O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me the favor I ask. (Name your request.)

3.O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph’s great love for Our Lady. Grant that, through his loving intercession and the power of his example, I too may truly love the Blessed Virgin Mary.O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain the favor I ask. (Name your request.)

4.O MY GOD, I thank Thee and bless Thee for St. Joseph’s great love for the Divine Child. Grant that, through his loving intercession and the power of his example, I too may truly love the Child Jesus.O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain the favor I ask. (Name your request.)