Saint Joseph 

First Century

 A poor carpenter and a direct descendant of the house of David, Saint Joseph was selected by God from all the men in the world to be the earthly father of Jesus Christ, an average person exalted to he highest level of respect and achievement. He readily accepted this and other directives for God and never shirked his responsibilty to his family. Thus, Joseph epitomizes the role of father-protector. Many of the greatest saints have called on Joseph for protection. His novena is considered to be powerful, one that can be invoed for any trouble. Saint Teresa of Avila said, “I don’t recall up to this day ever having petitioned him for anything that he fails to grant. It is an amzing thing, the great many favors God has granted me through the meditation of this blessed saint.” In Italy, where his feast is a major religious holiday, Saint Joseph is believed to have the power to break all natural law. It is said that since Jesus always obeyed Joseph when he was his father on earth, Joseph is accorded the same power in heaven.

 Novena to Saint Joseph

 O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to ask your powerful intercession in obtaining from the compassionate heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace for which we now ask.

(Mention your request here).

O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers for us will be graciously heard at the throne of God.

(The following is to be said seven times in honor of the seven joys and seven sorrows of Saint Joseph).

O glorious Saint Joseph, through the love you bear for Jesus Christ, and for the glory f his name, hear our prayers and grant our petitions.

 This novena can be practiced at any time of year. It is particularly effective if done for the seven Sundays prior to the feast of Saint Joesph in honor of his seven sorrows and seven joys.

Say this novena nine times in a row for nine days in a row.

 Feast Day: March 19

 Saint Joseph is the patron of: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Vietnam, Carpenters, fathers

 Invoked: against doubt, for the sale of a house, to find work

Above two novenas from “Novena: The Power of Prayer”

By Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua