Prayer to Saint Joseph (To you, O blessed Joseph…)
This prayer, known as "To you, O blessed Joseph," was composed by Pope Leo XIII and published in his encyclical Quamquam pluries in 1889. He exhorted the faithful to recite it daily, especially in October, to implore Saint Joseph's intercession for the Church. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, families, fathers, workers, and a happy death.
Also known as: To you, O blessed Joseph · Prayer to Saint Joseph · Ad te, beate Ioseph
Through that sacred bond of charity which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and through that paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and to assist us in our necessities by your power and strength.
O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving father, all contagion of error and corrupting influence; from your place in heaven, most powerful protector, graciously assist us in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as once you saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us with your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting happiness in heaven. Amen.
When to pray
It is traditionally prayed during the month of October, as recommended by Pope Leo XIII, and also throughout the year, especially on Saint Joseph's feast days (March 19 and May 1).
Latin text
Per eam, quaesumus, caritatem, quae te cum immaculata Dei Genitrice coniunxit, et per paternum amorem, quo Puerum Iesum amplexus es, suppliciter deprecamur, ut ad hereditatem, quam Iesus Christus acquisivit Sanguine suo, benignus respicias, ac nos tuo auxilio in necessitatibus nostris subleves.
Tuere, o Custos providentissime divinae Familiae, electam Iesu Christi sobolem; prohibe a nobis, amantissime Pater, omnem errorum ac corruptelarum luem; propitius nobis adsiste de caelo, fortissime protector noster, in hoc certamine cum potestate tenebrarum; et sicut olim Puerum Iesum de summo vitae discrimine eripuisti, ita nunc Ecclesiam sanctam Dei ab insidiis inimicis universisque adversitatibus defende: atque nos omnes perpetuo patrocinio tuo tege, ut ad exemplum tuum et ope tua sancte vivere, pie mori, sempiternamque in caelis beatitudinem assequi possimus. Amen.
Origin
The prayer "To you, O blessed Joseph" was promulgated by Pope Leo XIII in his encyclical *Quamquam pluries*, issued on August 15, 1889. The Pope encouraged the faithful to recite it, especially after the Rosary, during the month of October, to implore Saint Joseph's protection for the Church and families. It became a popular devotion for seeking the saint's intercession in times of tribulation.
In other languages
Oração a São José (A vós, São José, recorremos…) (Português) · Oración a San José (A vos, bienaventurado José…) (Español) · Preghiera a San Giuseppe (A te, o beato Giuseppe…) (Italiano) · Do Ciebie, Święty Józefie (Polski) · Panalangin kay San Jose (Tagalog)