Pope Leo XIII: Prayer to Saint Joseph

While the Fathers of the Church praised Saint Joseph in their writings, devotion to the husband of Mary arose in the Western Church only in the fifteenth century. Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903) encouraged the recitation of this prayer after the rosary and the Litany of Loreto during the month of October.

Blessed Joseph, husband of Mary, be with us this day.

You protected and cherished the Virgin;
loving the Child Jesus as your Son,
you rescued him from danger of death.
Defend the Church, the household of God,
purchased by the blood of Christ

Guardian of the holy family,
be with us in our trials.
May your prayers obtain for us
the strength to flee from error
and wrestle with the powers of corruption
so that in life we may grow in holiness
and in death rejoice in the crown of victory.

Amen.