Prayer of Pope Leo XIII to St. Joseph
To you O Blessed Joseph we come in our trials, and having asked the help of your thrice-holy spouse, we confidently ask your patronage also. Through that sacred bond of charity which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the fatherly love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his blood, and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength.
O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin. Our most mighty liberator, graciously assist us from heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness. And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
St. Joseph, dear liberator and protector, we ask especially that you keep our Holy Father Pope Francis free from all evil even as you kept Leo, the author of this beautiful prayer, safe and sound in the love of your son and of his angels. Protect us now and free us even as you freed our Blessed Mother and Baby Jesus from evil by obeying God’s will even when it seemed incomprehensible.
