The Fatherhood of Saint Joseph

This homily was given at St Mary’s Cathedral in downtown Austin, TX for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Read the daily readings for this solemnity at USCCB’s daily readings page.

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Main Points of the Homily for the Feast of Saint Joseph

• Entrustment to the fatherhood of Saint Joseph
• Saint Joseph – the Terror of demons
• St Joseph the Protector
• Saint Joseph the Wisest man

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Prayer to Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph with the child Jesus

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

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of 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. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls – Pray for me.

This prayer was found in the fifteenth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, not shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall be overpowered in battle.