St. Joseph, Pray for us

Beautiful prayers for our beloved priests from Fr. Mark at Vultus Christi. Thank you Fr. Mark.

On this Solemnity of Saint Joseph, I thought I might share again some of the prayers to Saint Joseph that I wrote several years ago and often pray. Together with Saint John in whose company he appeared at Knock on August 21, 1879, Saint Joseph is a powerful advocate and spiritual father for priests. He is also the friend and protector of family life, of exiles, and of immigrants. Saint Joseph is invoked for housing, for work, and in every material necessity.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR PRIESTS

O glorious Saint Joseph,who, on the word of the angel speaking to you in the night, put fear aside to take your Virgin Bride into your home, show yourself today the advocate and protector of priests. Protector of the Infant Christ, defend them against every attack of the enemy, preserve them from the dangers that surround them on every side. Remember Herod's threats against the Child, the anguish of the flight into Egypt by night, and the hardships of your exile. Stand by the accused; stretch out your hand to those who have fallen; comfort the fearful; forsake not the weak; and visit the lonely. Let all priests know that in you God has given them a model of faith in the night, obedience in adversity, chastity in tenderness, and hope in uncertainty. You are the terror of demons and the healer of those wounded in spiritual combat. Come to the defence of every priest in need; overcome evil with good. Where there are curses, put blessings, where harm has been done, do good. Let there be joy for the priests of the Church, and peace for all under your gracious protection. Amen.

A PRIEST’S PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH

Saint Joseph, I take you this day as my advocate and defender, my counselor and my friend. Open your heart to me as you opened your home to the Virgin Motherin her hour of need. Protect my holy priesthood as you protected the life of the Infant Christ threatened by cruel Herod. In darkness bring me light; in weakness, strength, and in fear the peace that passes understanding. For the sake of the tender love that bound you to the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ, be for me, Saint Joseph, a constant intercessor and a shield against every danger of body, mind, and soul so that, in spite of my weaknesses and sins, my priesthood may bring glory to Christ and serve to increase the beauty of holiness in his bride the Church. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR A PARTICULAR PRIEST

Saint Joseph, I present to you this day Father N., priest of Jesus Christ, and beg you to be to him advocate and defender, counselor and friend. Open your heart to him as you opened your home to the Virgin Mother in her hour of need. Protect his holy priesthood as you protected the life of the Infant Christ threatened by cruel Herod. In darkness bring him light; in weakness, strength, and in fear the peace that passes understanding. For the sake of the tender love that bound you to the Virgin Mary and the Infant Christ, be for him, Saint Joseph, a constant intercessor and a shield against every danger of body, mind, and soul so that, in spite of his weaknesses and sins, his priesthood may bring glory to Christ and serve to increase the beauty of holiness in his bride the Church. Amen.