Novena to St. Joseph
The Universal Church, fathers, workers, a happy death, the home
Tradition: Promoted by the Oblates of St. Joseph and the broader devotional tradition culminating in St. John Paul II's Redemptoris Custos (1989) and Pope Francis' Patris Corde (2020)
Associated feast: Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary (March 19); also St. Joseph the Worker (May 1)
When to pray: Traditionally prayed in the nine days leading up to March 19 (Solemnity of St. Joseph), but particularly recommended at any time of family difficulty, vocational discernment, or the illness of a loved one. The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph.
Begin Day 1 →About this devotion
St. Joseph holds a place in Catholic devotion second only to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Gospels record no word of his — only his obedient actions: taking Mary as his wife despite scandal, fleeing into Egypt to protect the Child, returning to Nazareth, presenting Jesus in the Temple, searching for him when he was lost. From these silent acts the Church has drawn a portrait of fatherhood, work, and quiet fidelity.
Pope Pius IX proclaimed St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. St. John Paul II, in the apostolic exhortation Redemptoris Custos (1989), set forth the theological foundation of devotion to St. Joseph. Most recently, Pope Francis dedicated the year 2020-2021 to St. Joseph with the apostolic letter Patris Corde ('With a Father's Heart'), marking the 150th anniversary of his patronage of the universal Church.
The Nine Days
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Day 1: St. Joseph the Just Man
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-19
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Day 2: Obedience to the angel's word
Scripture: Matthew 1:20-24
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Day 3: Guardian of the Redeemer
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-15
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Day 4: Patron of workers
Scripture: Mark 6:3
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Day 5: Head of the Holy Family
Scripture: Luke 2:51
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Day 6: Patron of a happy death
Scripture: Wisdom 4:13-14
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Day 7: Tenderness — a father's heart
Scripture: Hosea 11:3-4
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Day 8: Protector of the Universal Church
Scripture: Psalm 121:7-8
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Day 9: Personal entrustment to St. Joseph
Scripture: Genesis 41:55
Daily Novena Prayer
Daily Closing Prayer to St. Joseph (composed by Pope Leo XIII)
To you, O blessed Joseph, do we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. By that affection with which you were united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to graciously regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by His blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen offspring of Jesus Christ; keep from us, most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption; mercifully assist us from heaven, most mighty defender, in this our conflict with the powers of darkness; and as you once rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now defend God's holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield us under your constant protection, that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death, and to obtain everlasting happiness in heaven. Amen.
Composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1889 (encyclical Quamquam Pluries) and enriched with a partial indulgence. Recited each of the nine days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a novena?
A novena is a nine-day cycle of prayer, modeled on the nine days the Apostles spent in prayer with Mary between the Ascension and Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Each day a specific prayer or set of prayers is offered, often for a particular intention or to a particular saint.
When is the best time to pray the Novena to St. Joseph?
Traditionally prayed in the nine days leading up to March 19 (Solemnity of St. Joseph), but particularly recommended at any time of family difficulty, vocational discernment, or the illness of a loved one. The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph.
What if I miss a day of the novena?
Catholic devotional practice does not treat missing a day as invalidating the novena. The traditional pastoral counsel is to continue from where you left off, or to repeat the missed day. The intention behind the prayer matters more than rigid sequential observance.
Read about the life of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary →
Source
Primary sources