Novena to St. Joseph – Day 5: Patron of the Church
Join in praying the Novena to St. Joseph to seek his intercession and protection.
Today's Focus: Patron of the Church
Today we focus on St. Joseph as the patron of the Catholic Church. God appointed him patron because he was the head of the Holy Family, the starting-point of the Church. He is the patriarch of patriarchs, the most venerable of all.
Prayer for Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Saint Joseph, God has appointed you patron of the Catholic Church because you were the head of the Holy Family, the starting-point of the Church. You were the father, protector, guide and support of the Holy Family. For that reason you belong in a particular way to the Church, which was the purpose of the Holy Family's existence. You have a special relationship to the priesthood because you possessed a wonderful power over our Savior Himself.
Saint Joseph, I thank God for your privilege of having been chosen by God to be the foster-father of His Divine Son. As a token of your own gratitude to God for this your greatest privilege, obtain for me the grace of a very devoted love for Jesus Christ, my God and my Savior. Help me to serve Him with some of the self-sacrificing love and devotion which you had while on this earth with Him.
Saint Joseph, I, your unworthy child, greet you. You are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have special confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I place all my hope of salvation in you, for you are especially powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for me a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore:
(Mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers in my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. Amen.
MEMORARE
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, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Reflection
St. Joseph's patronage of the Church shows us his continued care for God's people. He watches over the Church and intercedes for all its members, especially in times of need.
As we reflect on this aspect of St. Joseph's life and teaching, let us ask ourselves how we can apply these lessons to our own lives and grow in holiness.
May St. Joseph's intercession help us to overcome our weaknesses and to grow stronger in our faith and love for God and neighbor.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in St. Joseph
Trust completely in St. Joseph's powerful intercession and his ability to help you. Turn to him with confidence in every need, especially for family and work matters.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. St. Joseph will not fail to help those who turn to him with trust and confidence.
Be Specific
Present your specific needs and intentions to St. Joseph. He wants to help you with the particular difficulties you face.
Be Grateful
Thank St. Joseph for his intercession and for the graces you receive. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more blessings and miracles.
Closing Prayer
O St. Joseph, patron of the Church, help me to be a faithful member of the Church and to contribute to its mission. May your protection and guidance help the Church to grow in holiness and love. Amen.