Novena of St. Joseph (Carmelite)

Commences in the Carmelite Church, Whitefriar-street, Dublin, on the 11th of March.

IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

LET US PRAY.

ASSIST us, O Lord, we beseech thee, by the merits of the spouse of thy most holy Mother, that what of ourselves we cannot obtain, may be granted us through his intercession; who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

Most glorious patriarch, St. Joseph, careful guardian of Jesus, and his ever immaculate mother, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

FIRST DOLOUR.

THE grief which filled the mind of St. Joseph, at the idea of forsaking his virgin spouse, when she had conceived by the Holy Ghost.

FIRST JOY.

THE consoling message of the angel, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear, take Mary for thy wife; for that which she has conceived is of the Holy Ghost.”

LET US PRAY.

O CHASTE Joseph! I most humbly petition by this grief and this joy, that you will make supplication for my being preserved in unalterable purity of soul and body, that I may overcome all temptations and difficulties, avoid passing censure on others, and that by concurring with the divine inspirations, I may deserve the assistance of my good angel, in directing me to perform my duty towards God and my neighbour, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

SECOND DOLOUR.

ST. JOSEPH’s beholding the child Jesus shivering with cold in the manger, and so miserably accommodated.

SECOND JOY.

HIS hearing the angelical harmony. Seeing the adoration of the shepherds, and beholding the three kings prostrate before the infant God.

LET US PRAY.

COMPASSIONATE St. Joseph, I most humbly petition by this grief and this joy, that you will make intercession for me, that my frozen heart may become a fervent receptacle of my divine Redeemer, in the adorable sacrament of the altar, and my soul a permanent dwelling for the Holy Ghost. I now freely offer my memory, will, and understanding, to be governed by Divine Providence, beseeching God, through your intercession, that I may adore him so faithfully on earth, as to deserve to sing eternally with the blessed angels, the joyful canticle, “Glory be to God on high.”

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

THIRD DOLOUR.

ST. JOSEPH’s beholding the infant Jesus shed his sacred blood in the ceremony of circumcision.

THIRD JOY.

HIS pronouncing the most sacred and saving name of Jesus, as the eternal Father had ordered by the angel.

LET US PRAY.

ST. JOSEPH my great patron, I most humbly petition by this grief and this joy, that you will make intercession for me, that I may shed tears of perfect contrition, for being the occasion of my divine Redeemer shedding his most precious blood. I rejoice that my Jesus was pleased to bleed at that tender age, to ransom me and all mankind from everlasting perdition. I likewise beg, that the saving name of Jesus may be so deeply imprinted on my heart and memory, as never to think, say, or do anything displeasing to Almighty God.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

FOURTH DOLOUR.

THE words of Simeon, on the day of the purification, “That a sword should pierce the blessed Virgin’s heart.”

FOURTH JOY.

WHAT Simeon said, “That Christ should be a light to the Gentiles, the glory of Israel, and the resurrection of many.”

LET US PRAY.

ST. JOSEPH, comforter of the afflicted, I most humbly petition by this grief and this joy, that I may be tender and compassionate in the sorrows and misfortunes of my neighbour, that I may partake fully of these dolours and merits of the blessed Virgin, standing under the heavy cross of her bleeding Son, that my Saviour may be a clear light to me in walking in the narrow way, by a holy life, towards the beatific vision of my God: through the same Lord Jesus Christ, &c.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

FIFTH DOLOUR.

CHRIST’s flight into Egypt, in order to avoid the persecution of Herod.

FIFTH JOY.

THE falling down of the Egyptian idols at the approach of the Son of God.

LET US PRAY.

HOLY St. Joseph, perfectly resigned to the decrees of Almighty God, I most humbly petition by this grief and this joy, that I may willingly submit, and carefully conform to, whatever crosses or vexations the divine wisdom, and infinite goodness consider expedient for me, that I may be equally thankful in the sharpest adversity, as in the most flourishing prosperity. That I may, through your intercession, experience the unspeakable joy of subduing the deformed idols of inordinate passions and sordid pleasures, so much courted and admired by worldlings.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

SIXTH DOLOUR.

THE fear St. Joseph had on his return from Egypt, hearing that Archelaus reigned.

SIXTH JOY.

COMMANDED by an angel from heaven, to return home with Jesus and his virgin mother.

LET US PRAY.

VIGILANT St. Joseph, careful protector of Jesus and Mary, look down from heaven upon a poor soul surrounded with many dangers of falling into sin, and dropping into hell. I most humbly petition, by this grief and this joy, that you will intercede for me, that I may not fear anything but offending our God.—Protect me from the tyranny of the infernal powers, beg by the passion of Christ, that he will compassionate my infirmity, and enable me, with his grace, to walk cautiously between love and fear, through the dangerous Egypt of this uncertain life so as that I may enter the blessed land of promise, to enjoy eternal happiness, through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

SEVENTH DOLOUR.

ST. JOSEPH’s seeking the infant Jesus, when returning from Jerusalem.

SEVENTH JOY.

HIS finding Jesus in the temple, sitting among the doctors, who were astonished at his wisdom.

LET US PRAY.

ST. JOSEPH, my powerful advocate, who in the loseing and finding of Jesus experienced the two extremes of intense anguish and transporting joy, I, your unworthy suppliant, most humbly petition, that I may never lose my God by mortal sin, although I were to enjoy all the comforts which this world can give. I now seriously repent, and will lament during the remainder of my life, for having so frequently parted, through my fault, with divine grace. I have nothing worthy of acceptance to atone for my crimes, and pay off my debt. I offer the merits of my Redeemer to thee, O eternal Father, and you, glorious guardian of Jesus, offer for me all these dolours, and joys, that by worthy fruits of penance, I may seek my Creator, sorrowing, and after a happy death, adore him in the heavenly Jerusalem, there to enjoy “what the heart of man has not conceived,” through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.

LITANY.

LORD, have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, spouse of St. Joseph,
St. Joseph, confirmed in grace,
St. Joseph, guardian of the Word Incarnate,
St. Joseph, favourite of the King of heaven,
St. Joseph, ruler of the family of Jesus,
St. Joseph, spouse of the ever-blessed virgin,
St. Joseph, example of humility and obedience
St. Joseph, mirror of silence and resignation,
St. Joseph, patron of innocence and youth,
St. Joseph, exiled with Christ into Egypt,
St. Joseph, intercessor for the afflicted,
St. Joseph, advocate of the humble,
St. Joseph, model of every virtue,
St. Joseph, honoured among men,
St. Joseph, union of all Christian perfections,

Pray for us.

Lamb of God, &c.

V. Pray for us, O holy St. Joseph,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

LET US PRAY.

HOLY St. Joseph, who art that good and faithful servant, to whom God committed the care of his family, whom he appointed guardian and protector of the life of Jesus Christ, the comfort and support of his holy mother, and co-partner in his great design of the redemption of mankind: thou who hadst the happiness of living with Jesus and Mary, and of dying in their arms; chaste spouse of the mother of God; model and patron of pure souls; humble, patient, and reserved; be moved with the confidence we place in thine intercession, and accept with kindness this testimony of our devotion.

We give thanks to God for the signal favours he hath been pleased to confer on thee, and we conjure him by thy intercession, to make us imitate thy virtues. Pray for us then, O great saint, and by that love which thou hadst for Jesus and Mary, and by the love which Jesus and Mary had for thee, obtain for us the incomparable happiness of living and dying in the love of Jesus and Mary. Amen.

One of the following Colloquies is recited each day after the foregoing Prayers.

I.—COLLOQUY.

BLESSED St. Joseph, sanctified in thy mother’s womb, born for great ends, to be the guardian of Jesus and Mary, make powerful intercession for me, that my pious resolutions may not prove abortive, that I may be born to an interior and spiritual life. That I may have such an increase of sanctity, such an ardent love for purity such abject thoughts of my own vileness, so clear a light to view worldly greatness, which is vanity of vanities, as to undervalue things which deserve not the character of true wisdom and heavenly virtue; through our Lord Jesus Christ, &c.

II.—COLLOQUY.

OMNIPOTENT Creator, whose unerring providence adds joy every moment to the angels in heaven, and to the saints upon earth, I most humbly beg, by the intercession of St. Joseph, that I may cheerfully acquiesce and rejoice in every thing that comes from thy fatherly hand; that I may be vigorous in executing your divine will, and glorify you in my present state. Grant me the true spirit of mortification, to subdue my stubborn passions, to satisfy for what is past, and to be a preservative from future dangers. Grant that by purity of intention, the meanest of my actions may be acceptable to you, as was the mite of the poor widow, thrown into the treasury of the temple; through Jesus Christ our Lord, &c.

III.—COLLOQUY.

OMNIPOTENT God! at whose command every tree produces fruit of its kind, grant me, through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, that I may serve you faithfully in the state you have placed me. I firmly believe all you have revealed, protect me, lest I should be found among the unfortunate number of those foolish virgins, who carried lamps without oil; assist me with your powerful grace, that I may act as I profess; that I may be humble, charitable, and chaste, and not stand like the barren fig tree, to become fuel for eternal flames. This grace I implore, through the infinite merits of Jesus, my Saviour. Amen.

IV.—COLLOQUY.

HOLY Ghost! God of all comfort! if you see it expedient for the security of my salvation, that I should be overwhelmed with tribulation, permit me not to fall. Infinite power! bear me up, you know my weakness. Favour me with such graces, that I may be compassionate towards my neighbour, and govern myself with the spirit of lenity and charity, as if the case were my own. I deplore my censorious temper, and resolve to be on my guard. I render you thanks for my intention of becoming better, but because of myself I am not able to keep a good purpose, I beg your assistance, that I may fulfil what you command, and then, dear Lord, command what you please. Afflict me with such crosses as I can endure, that I may discharge some of the great debt due to the divine justice. Grant me through the intercession of St. Joseph, that after my temporal trials, whether exterior or interior, I may find that permanent joy, with which you render his immaculate spouse and him eternally happy; through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. Amen.

V.—COLLOQUY.

O MY infinite God! how truly may it be said of me, “The ox has known his owner, and the ass the manger of his Lord.” Isa. 81. But I have not known you. I admire your love and charity, I am ashamed of my tepidity and ingratitude. Infinite goodness, I came too late to love you. Although at the eleventh hour, bestow on me the promised penny, be to me a Jesus, and you who fed me, and bled for my misfortunes, let me partake of thy eternal charity. Grant that through the intercession of St. Joseph, that my good purposes may be perfected through the divine assistance. I also implore, that when I entertain you in the most blessed Sacrament, I may be favoured with such affections of adoration, love, and thanksgiving, as St. Joseph experienced, when he received you from Simeon, to restore you to your blessed mother. Amen.

VI.—COLLOQUY.

JESUS, my Maker and my master! without whose merciful assistance I walk in darkness and perish; I most humbly beg, through the intercession of St. Joseph, that you will grant me grace to escape from the servitude of sin, under which I have so long groaned, that I may enjoy the liberty of your faithful servants. I have frequently experienced your goodness, and I know your power, my trust is in both. O! grant me constancy to despise the allurements of the world, and to remain undaunted under afflicting terrors. My dear Redeemer, I have too often lost you by sin, I have willingly and wilfully parted with you, for what I blush to think on. Pity the unfortunate, O God, who came to seek sinners, of whom I have been the greatest. Thou art now pleased to bless me with such a true sense of my former offences, that I grieve not so much for the fear of punishment, as that my sins have offended thee, the circle and centre of all goodness. I steadfastly purpose, through thy holy grace, to seek you seriously, by the reformation of my life, that I may find thee in the heavenly Jerusalem, reigning with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

VII.—COLLOQUY.

OMNIPOTENT God! who descendest from heaven to bring fire to the earth, (Luke xii.) inflame my frozen heart, that I may imitate the virtues of St. Joseph. As a poor being at the gate of some noble and generous prince, expecting an alms, so I appear before thee, wounded in all my senses by sin, and imploring charity in my great distress; I grieve for what is past, not because I fear, but because I love; nothing has succeeded with me, because I never consulted thee as I ought. I hope, O Lord, that I do not come too late. I beg by the intercession of St. Joseph, that I may avoid evil and do good, that I may leave the sinful path of the broad way, and walk in the narrow road that leads to eternal happiness. That I may distribute the few remaining hours of my short life to your honour, and attain the end for which I was created, that I may admire, praise, and love you, for ever and ever. Amen.

VIII.—COLLOQUY.

O MOST glorious patriarch, my dear patron! blessed are the eyes that see what you now see. I confide with holy Job, through the infinite merits of Christ, and by your powerful intercession, that in my flesh I shall see God my Saviour. Stretch out for your unworthy client, those happy hands, that carried so often and provided for the Son of God. Petition that I may live, as I wish to die, always in the divine favour. I most humbly implore that you will prevail with your immaculate spouse, to join in prayer with you, that I her unworthy suppliant, may be saved, and make one of the number of the elect. With profound humility, I entreat you to be present with me at the dreadful hour of my death, when my last grateful words shall be, with my parting breath, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Your mercy is above all your works, O most holy Trinity! and I now appeal from the tribunal of your justice, and prostrate myself before the throne of your mercy for the pardon of my sins, and grace to persevere in keeping your commandments to the end of my life, who livest and reignest, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

On the ninth day the first Colloquy is repeated.