This novena can be prayed at any time during the year, or in the lead up to the Feast of St Joseph (19th March) or the Feast of St Joseph the Worker (1st May).
Joseph, [Mary’s] husband, … was a righteous man (Mt 1:19).
St Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and foster-father of Jesus Christ, is one of the best-loved and most powerful intercessors. He is particularly invoked by husbands and fathers, by men in general, by those looking for work, by those with problems at work and by those looking for somewhere to live. St Joseph is also known as the Protector of the Holy Church, since he was entrusted by God with the care of the Virgin Mary (who is an image of the Church) and the child Jesus. He is also a strong guard against the assaults of the Enemy. Not least, he is the patron of a holy death, and so is often invoked by the dying.
first day
As husband to Mary and foster-father to Jesus, you are an example of chastity, humility, faithfulness, and obedience to the Word of God; intercede for us so that we, too, may be given these virtues in our lives, and may witness to God’s power working in our weakness. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
second day
You were chosen by God to be guardian and protector of Jesus and Mary; protect our homes and families. We ask your intercession for husbands and fathers, and for all those who bear responsibility for others. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
third day
You know what it is like to have your own plans and expectations overturned by God’s plans; help us to trust that he knows better than we do what we really need. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
fourth day
You knew what it was like to be exiled from your homeland, to be without a stable place to live; we ask your intercession for those who are looking for somewhere to live, and for those who are far from home. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
fifth day
When the child Jesus went missing, and was found in the Temple, you knew the pain of loss, and the joy of finding again; intercede for all who suffer the anguish of separation or bereavement, and help them to know that, like Jesus, we may all be found safe in our Father’s house. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
sixth day
As you watched over Jesus and Mary on earth, now you are the Protector of the Universal Church; we ask your intercession for all who bear the name of Christian. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
seventh day
In the silent witness of your life in Nazareth, the Church sees in you the model of our interior life with Christ; help us to pray, and to put our relationship with Jesus in prayer at the heart of our lives. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
eighth day
You know what it is to work; help us to see the dignity and value of the tasks entrusted to us, and to believe that by humbly and faithfully doing what we have to do, we too may give glory to God whether the world recognises us or not. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
ninth day
You are the model and patron of Christian death; we ask your intercession for all those who are close to death, and the grace of a holy death for them and for ourselves. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]
Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
This novena is extracted from A Book of Novenas. Containing a rich selection for many different needs, this beautiful collection of novenas encourages intercession of the saints and making prayer in the tradition of the great figures of Scripture.
