Novena to Saint Joseph
St Joseph — virgin spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, legal father of Jesus, patron of the universal Church and of workers — is the saint of secret requests. This novena prepares for his feast on March 19, and may also be prayed before St Joseph the Worker (May 1).
Offering Prayer (every day)
Glorious St Joseph, faithful guardian of the Redeemer and most chaste spouse of Mary, we offer you this novena in honour of your virtues and in humble supplication for the grace we entrust to your intercession. Accept it, and deign to present it to the Heart of Jesus, your beloved Son. Amen.
The Nine Days
Day 1 — Son of David
St Joseph belongs to the royal line of David. It was because of him that Jesus was enrolled in the census of Bethlehem — so that the messianic prophecy might be fulfilled.
St Joseph, illustrious son of David, obtain for me the grace truly to belong to the family of God, living the Baptism I received. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 2 — A just man
The Gospel calls Joseph simply a just man (Mt 1:19). It is the highest definition Israel could give of a man: one who lives according to the will of God and of his neighbour.
Just man, teach me to live in uprightness; to be a man (or woman) of my word; to seek justice before profit. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 3 — The angel’s dream
When Joseph discovered that Mary was with child, he decided to leave her quietly. But the angel instructed him in a dream: take Mary as your wife; that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:20).
Docile spouse, teach me to obey God’s calls even when I do not understand them. May faith conquer my human logic. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 4 — Legal father of Jesus
Joseph gave Jesus his name, exercised paternal authority over him, taught him the trade of carpenter. He was father according to his heart and according to the law — though not according to the flesh.
Father of the Son of God, bless Christian fathers of our time; sustain those who raise children without a biological father; reconcile children with their fathers. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 5 — Flight into Egypt
To save the Child from Herod, Joseph crossed the desert toward Egypt, into a foreign land, with his family. As a migrant, he gave witness of courage and of trust in God.
Patron of migrants, remember those who today flee violence, hunger, persecution; open paths where they see only closed borders. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 6 — Worker of Nazareth
For thirty years, Joseph silently worked in his workshop, supporting the Holy Family. The Son of God learned from him the use of the saw, the hammer, the plane. He was the one who provided all that was necessary.
Worker of Nazareth, patron of workers, bless my work, free me from unemployment, give me dignity in what I do. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 7 — Spouse of the Virgin
The marriage of Mary and Joseph was a true marriage — but lived in perfect chastity. Joseph was the protector of Mary’s Virginity and the sign of the divine fatherhood of God the Father.
Chaste spouse, defend the holiness of Christian marriage; restore divided families; help spouses to love each other with the faithfulness you gave to Mary. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 8 — Patron of a good death
Tradition sees in Joseph the saint of a good death: he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary, in Nazareth. For this reason he is invoked by all who prepare for the final encounter.
Patron of a good death, obtain for me the grace to die with the sacraments, at peace with God, assisted by Jesus and Mary; and protect the dying this day. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Day 9 — Patron of the Universal Church
In 1870, Blessed Pius IX proclaimed St Joseph Patron of the Universal Church. In 2020, Pope Francis proclaimed a year dedicated to this saint (Patris Corde). Today, more than ever, the Church needs his active silence.
Patron of the Church, defend the Pope, the bishops, the priests; free the Church from scandals and divisions. Grant us today the grace we entrust to your paternal intercession. Amen.
Our Father · Hail Mary · Glory Be.
Final Prayer (every day)
O God, who in your ineffable providence were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. Who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.