Saint Joseph Novena: Day Eight

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church.

Reflection:

The large red book that sits on the altar is called a Roman MissalI. It contains all the prayers a priest needs to say Mass.

Five years ago, priests around the world brought a pad of post-it notes to amend their Roman Missals with a single addition of five words: “with Blessed Joseph, her Spouse.” Pope Francis added these five words to the Eucharistic Prayers.

Have mercy on us all, we pray,
that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God,
with blessed Joseph, her Spouse,
with the blessed Apostles,
and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages,
we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life,
and may praise and glorify you
through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Pope Francis’s intention was to add Saint Joseph’s name to every Mass. During the Eucharistic Prayer we focus on Jesus Christ, of course. We also mediate on His mother and foster-father.

Saint Joseph cared deeply for his little family of Mary and Jesus. As the Faith has grown from their small home in Nazareth to encompass the entire world, Saint Joseph’s patronage and protection continues.

 

Prayer:

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen.

O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention.)

Amen.