Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph Devotion
ST. JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS AND PROTECTOR OF THE MOST HOLY FAMILY AND OF ALL OF US
ONE
Pure Spouse of most holy Mary, glorious St. Joseph, the
trouble and anguish of your heart were great when, being in sore perplexity, you were of the mind to divorce your stainless spouse; yet was your joy inexpressible
when the archangel revealed to you in a dream the sublime mystery of the Incarnation.
By this your sorrow and your joy, we ask you to comfort our souls now and in their last pains with the consolation of a well spent life, and a holy death, like unto your own, with Jesus and Mary at our side.
Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc.
TWO
Most blessed Patriarch, glorious St. Joseph, chosen to the
office of father of the Word made man, the pain was keen that thou didst feel
when thou didst see the infant Jesus born in abject poverty; but thy pain was
changed into heavenly joy when thou didst hear the harmony of angel choirs, and
behold the glory of that night.
By this thy
sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee, obtain for us that, when the journey of our life
is ended, we too may pass to that blessed land where we shall hear the angel-chants,
and rejoice in the bright light of heavenly glory.
Our Father,
Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc.
THREE
O Thou who was ever most obedient in executing the law of
God, glorious St. Joseph, thy heart was pierced with pain when the Precious Blood
of thy Infant Savior was shed at His circumcision; but with the Name of Jesus a
new life and heavenly joy returned to thee.
By this this sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that, being freed, while we still live, from every vice, we too may cheerfully die with the sweet Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to
the Father, etc.
FOUR
Most faithful Saint, glorious St. Joseph, who was admitted
to take part in the redemption of man; the prophecy of Simeon foretelling the
sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused thee a pang like that of death but, at the
same time, by this prediction of the salvation and glorious resurrection of
innumerable souls, filled thee with great joy.
By this thy
sorrow and thy joy, help us with thy prayers to be of the number of those who,
by the merits of Jesus and the intercession of His Virgin Mother, shall be partakers
of the resurrection of glory.
Our Father,
Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc.
FIVE
Most watching Guardian, glorious St. Joseph, who was so
intimately familiar with the incarnate Son of God, greatly thou didst toil to
nurture and to serve the Son of the Most High, especially in the flight
thou made with Him into Egypt; greatly
also didst thou rejoice to have God Himself, always with thee, and to
see the overthrow of the idols of Egypt.
By this thy
sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us grace to keep far out of reach of the enemy
of our souls, by quitting all dangerous occasions, that so no idol of earthly
affection may any longer occupy a place in our hearts, but that being entirely
devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live and die for them alone.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc.
SIX
Angel on earth, glorious St. Joseph who didst so wonder to
see the King of Heaven obedient to thy bidding, the consolation thou had at His
return from Egypt was disturbed by the fear of Archelaus, but nevertheless,
being reassured by the angel, thou didst go back and dwell happily at Nazareth,
in the company of Jesus and Mary.
By this thy
sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that having our heart freed from idle fears,
we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, dwelling safely with Jesus and
Mary and dying at last in their arms.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc.
SEVEN
Example of holy living, glorious St. Joseph, when through no fault of thine, thou didst lose Jesus, the Holy Child, thou didst search for Him with great sorrow for three days, until with joy unspeakable thou didst find Him, who was thy life, amidst the doctors in the Temple.
By this thy
sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee with our
whole hearts so to interpose always in our behalf, that we may never lose Jesus
by mortal sin, and if we are at any time so wretched as to lose Him, lead us
back with unwearied sorrow until we find Him, particularly in the hour of our death, that we may pass
from this life to enjoy Him forever in heaven, there to sing with thee His
divine mercies, forever and ever.
Our Father,
Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father etc.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Let us Pray
O God, Who in Thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to
choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother; grant we beseech
Thee, that we may have him for our intercessor in Heaven, whom on earth we venerate
as our holy protector, Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
(Indulgence of 100 days, once a day; 300 days on every
Wednesday—Pius IX)
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