---

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR THE CHURCH

(Note: This prayer was taken from the booklet "Devotions to Saint Joseph" by Brian Moore, S.J., printed and published by the Society of St. Paul.)

Great St. Joseph, you were chosen by God

to be the reputed father of Jesus,

the chaste husband of Mary ever-Virgin,

and head of the Holy Family;

you were elected by the Vicar of Christ

to be the heavenly Patron and Protector

of the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

With the greatest confidence, therefore,

I ask your powerful aid in this day

for the entire Church on earth.

Protect in a special manner

with your true fatherly love

our Holy Father, the Pope,

and all the Bishops and priests

who are united to the See of St. Peter;

defend all those who labor for souls

in the midst of the trials and difficulties of this life;

and win for all nations

unity of faith under one Shepherd.