On the solemnity of Saint Joseph

To you, O blessed Joseph,
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.
Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood,
and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.
O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness;
and, as once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril,
so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity;
shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid,
we may be able to live piously, to die holily, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen.

Today I pray not only for my intentions (for which I have prayed a novena to St. Joseph) but for all intentions which people have brought to him (seeking his powerful intercession) in the past nine days. St. Joseph, most humble and chaste spouse of Mary, most loving and gentle step-father to Christ, hear us in our prayers and take them to Christ. Implore, on our behalf, that we be heard and answered. Amen.