Ite ad Ioseph (Day 9)

"In truth, the dignity of the Mother of God is so lofty that naught created can rank above it. But as Joseph has been united to the Blessed Virgin by the ties of marriage, it may not be doubted that he approached nearer than any to the eminent dignity by which the Mother of God surpasses so nobly all created natures. For marriage is the most intimate of all unions which from its essence imparts a community of gifts between those that by it are joined together. Thus in giving Joseph the Blessed Virgin as spouse, God appointed him to be not only her life's companion, the witness of her maidenhood, the protector of her honor, but also, by virtue of the conjugal tie, a participator in her sublime dignity. And Joseph shines among all mankind by the most august dignity, since by divine will, he was the guardian of the Son of God and reputed as His father among men. And Joseph shines among all mankind by the most august dignity, since by divine will, he was the guardian of the Son of God and reputed as His father among men. Hence it came about that the Word of God was humbly subject to Joseph, that He obeyed him, and that He rendered to him all those offices that children are bound to render to their parents. From this two-fold dignity flowed the obligation which nature lays upon the head of families, so that Joseph became the guardian, the administrator, and the legal defender of the divine house whose chief he was. And during the whole course of his life he fulfilled those charges and those duties."

--Pope Leo XIII (Quamquam Pluries, 15 August 1889)

(Photo: Marriage of Mary and Joseph window, St. Joseph Church, Clayton, MO)

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.