By a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, dated March 18th, 1909, His Holiness Pope Pius X, has approved for public and private devotion the following Litany of Saint Joseph, granting an Indulgence of 300 days applicable to the Souls in Purgatory to those who recite the same.
LITANY OF SAINT JOSEPH
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us
Illustrious Scion of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Watchful Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph, most just, pray for us.
Joseph, most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph, most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph, most valiant, pray for us.
Joseph, most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph, most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of workmen, pray for us.
Ornament of the domestic life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Safeguard of families, pray for us.
Consolation of the poor, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of the demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord; Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord; Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. He made him Lord over His house. R. And Ruler of all His possessions.
Let us pray.
God, who in Thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be made worthy to have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy protector. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
CALL TO ACTION: Pray the Litany to Saint Joseph often!
Source: "Key of Heaven," copyright May 28, 1925, pages 291-294 (Nihil Obstat: Arthur J. Scanlon, S.T.D., Censor Librorura; Imprimatur: Patrick Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop, New York)
Photo by Josh Applegate