Mary said, ‘See how worried your father and I have been, looking for you’ (Luke 2:48)
Joseph was a descendant of the Royal Family of David. Yet he lived in relative obscurity and was a ‘nobody’ in the world’s eyes. He faced challenging family problems: Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, which meant he would not be the biological father of his son; the long, dangerous trek to Bethlehem to be registered for taxation purposes; the threat to the life of the child, forcing him to flee as a refugee to a foreign land; making ends meet from work which was often only seasonal; returning to Jerusalem after a day’s journey, without the safety of a convoy, to search for his missing child. What was he to have made of the forewarning that the boy Jesus was marked out for glory and suffering (see Luke 2:34-35)?
Let us ask St. Joseph to protect our families as he did his own. May he help all couples to live out the love which they promised each other. As Patron of families, may he guide us through the many challenges that threaten to break the bonds of family unity, and help us discover God’s closeness in and through the sorrows and joys of family life.
St. Joseph, protect our families and help us experience God’s closeness throughout the many challenges of marriage and family life.
Let us come together in faith and prayer, even from a distance. Feel free to invite your family and friends! See you online at 10AM UK time!
Novena Prayer to St. Joseph
Ever glorious St. Joseph, good and faithful servant, God was pleased to place his own family in your care.
We thank you for being such a wonderful example of humility and faith, of prayerfulness and courage, in your ordinary daily life.
Through your intercession, may God grant us the blessing of living continually in his presence, and responding to his love in our daily lives. And when we have lived our days on earth, may God give us the great joy he gave you—that of entering eternal life in the company of Jesus and Mary.
Most loving St. Joseph, accept our Novena prayers and obtain for us through your powerful intercession, the favours and graces we ask for in
this Novena.
Pause to call to mind your special intentions…
St. Joseph, Pray for us.
Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory be…
