To you, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our
afflictions, and, having implored the help of your holy
Spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence,
earnestly beg you also to take us under your protection.
By that charity wherewith you were united to the
Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love
with which you cherished the Child Jesus, we beseech you
and we humbly pray that you will look down with gracious
eyes upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased
by His blood, and will succor us in our need by your power
and strength. Defend, O most watchful guardian of the
Holy Family, the chosen offspring of Jesus Christ. Keep
from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and
corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in
this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of
old you rescued the Child jesus from the peril of His life,
so now defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of the
enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under your
patronage, that, following your example and strengthened
by your help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and
attain to everlasting bliss in heaven. Amen.
Pope Saint Leo XIII
