A Prayer to Saint Joseph, Defender of Christians

by Pope Leo XIII

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we fly in our tribulation, and, having implored the help of thy most holy Spouse, we also now confidently implore thy holy patronage.

We beseech thee by that charity, which united thee with the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and we humbly pray thee, by that fatherly love, with which thou didst embrace the Child Jesus, to look kindly upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His Blood, and to come to help us in our necessities with thy virtue and powerful aid.

Defend, O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen offspring of Jesus Christ.

Ward off from us, O most loving Father, every contagion of error and corruption.

Be propitious to us from Heaven, O our most mighty Protector in our struggle with the power of darkness; and as once thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the greatest peril of His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of Her enemies and from all Adversity.

Shield too, each one of us with thy constant protection, so that, supported by thy example and powerful aid, we may be able to live a holy life, die a holy death, and attain everlasting beatitude in Heaven. Amen.