About St. Joseph
St. Joseph was of the royal family of David by birth, but was living in humble obscurity as a carpenter when God raised him to the highest sanctity, and chose him to be the spouse of His Virgin Mother, and foster-father and guardian to Jesus. Joseph, says Holy Scripture, was a just man; he was innocent and pure, and became the husband of Mary, he was gentle and tender, as one worthy to be named the father of Jesus. When he learned that Mary carried within her womb the Lord of Heaven, he feared to take her as his wife, but an angel told him not to fear, and all doubts vanished.
When Herod sought the life of the divine infant, an angel told Joseph in a dream to flee with the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Joseph at once arose and obeyed.
Being directed by God in another vision he returned to the land of Herod Antipas, in Galilee, to his former home in Nazareth. When Jesus was a little older Joseph and Mary found him in the temple after being missing for three days. When Mary asked him why He had done this to them Jesus replied, “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business”? Even though he stayed in the temple unknown to His parents, in the end He was still obedient to them.
There is no further mention of St. Joseph in Scripture after this and he is presumed to have died before the marriage of Cana and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. We can imagine the happiness of Jesus and Mary attending to his death praying by him and comforting him in his last moments.
Quick Facts About St. Joseph
- Patron Saint of: Fathers, Workers, Families, Carpenters, the Universal Church, a Happy Death, and the Dying
- Feast Day: March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day)
- Also honored: May 1 as St. Joseph the Worker
- Title: Terror of Demons, Guardian of the Holy Family
- Symbol: Lily (purity), carpenter’s tools, and the Child Jesus
How to Pray the St. Joseph Novena
- Pray once a day for 9 consecutive days
- Best time: Morning or before bed
- Optional: Light a white or gold candle, place a statue or image of St. Joseph nearby, and pray with confidence
What is St. Joseph the patron saint of?
St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, workers, families, the Universal Church, carpenters, and a happy death. He is also invoked for protection of the home and for employment.
How long does the St. Joseph novena last?
The St. Joseph Novena lasts 9 consecutive days. You pray it once each day for nine days in a row.
Can I pray the novena for someone else?
Yes, you can pray the St. Joseph Novena for your spouse, children, family members, or anyone in need. Simply mention their name during the prayers.
When is the best time to start the novena?
You can start the St. Joseph Novena at any time. It is especially powerful to begin it on March 10 so it ends on his feast day, March 19. Many also pray it throughout the month of March.
| Novena Begins: | March 10th |
| Feast Day: | March 19th |
Name Meaning: “He Shall Add”
This prayer was found in the 50th year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, not shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall be overpowered in battle.
Say for nine mornings for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail, so be sure you really want what you ask. Amen
Day 1 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Saint Joseph Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires…. (Mention your request here…)
Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.
Say 1: Our Father…Say 1: Hail Mary…Say 1: Glory Be…
Other Popular Novenas You May Also Like
Saint Joseph Prayer of Protection
“Great St. Joseph,
whose protection is so strong and prompt before
the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests
and desires. Assist me by your most powerful
intercession to obtain all spiritual blessings,
in Jesus Christ, our Lord. And, by gaining here
below your Heavenly favor, I offer my thanksgiving
and homage to God, the most loving of Fathers.
Oh Great St. Joseph, I never weary in thinking of you,
with the Child Jesus asleep in your arms.
Ask for me the favor of His love, when I draw my
dying breath! St. Joseph, the Patron of
departing souls — Pray for me.”
Powerful Prayer to St. Joseph
“Saint Joseph,
father and guardian of virgins,
into whose faithful keeping
were entrusted Innocency itself,
Christ Jesus, and Mary,
the Virgin of virgins,
I pray and beseech Thee
through Jesus and Mary,
those pledges so dear to you,
to keep me from all uncleanness,
and to grant that my mind
may be untainted, my heart
pure and my body chaste;
help me always to serve Jesus
and Mary in perfect chastity.
Amen.”
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