Ite ad Ioseph (Day 4)

“I took for my patron and lord the glorious St. Joseph, and recommended myself earnestly to him. I saw clearly that both out of this my present trouble, and out of others of greater importance, relating to my honor and the loss of my soul, this my father and lord delivered me, and rendered me greater services than I knew how to ask for. I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything which he has not granted; and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favors which God has given me through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he has delivered me, both of body and of soul.”
—St. Theresa of Avila (Autobiography, VI, 9)

(photo: St. Joseph's altar detail, Holy Rosary, Belfast)

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all
who love and venerate you. I have special confidence in you.
You are powerful with God and will never abandon your faithful servants.
I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me,
to your intercession. By the love you have for Jesus and Mary,
do not abandon me during life, and assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin,
Foster-father of Jesus Christ, obtain for me a pure, humble,
and charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the Divine Will.
Be my guide, my father, and my model through life
that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ,
I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession
in obtaining from the Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary
for my spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death,
and the special grace I now implore: (mention your request).
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
I am confident that your prayers in my behalf
will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

MEMORARE
Remember, most pure spouse of Mary,
ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph,
that no one ever had recourse to your protection
or asked for your aid without obtaining relief.
Confiding, therefore, in your goodness,
I come before you and humbly implore you.
Despise not my petitions,
foster-father of the Redeemer,
but graciously receive them.
Amen.