THE 'OCTOBER' PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH

(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. It was written by Leo XIII and is commonly said after praying Our Lady's Rosary.)

To you blessed Joseph, we come

for we are in need.

We have asked the help of Mary, your wife,

and with confidence we ask, too, for your help.

Remember the love with which you were

united to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God;

remember the father's love you had

for the Child Jesus you carried in your arms.

By those two loves we pray you

look with love on the human race,

which Jesus our Lord won by His blood.

Help us with your power in all our needs.

You were a careful provider for the Holy Family:

protect, then, the chosen people of Jesus Christ.

As a loving father, keep far from us

all that could lead us wrong or corrupt us.

Our warfare is with the power of darkness:

in your kindness, mighty Defender,

help us from your place in heaven.

Long ago, you rescued the Child Jesus

from the danger which threatened His life:

defend, now, the holy Church of God

from the traps the Enemy lays,

and from all adversity.

Keep us, everyone, in your continuing care.

Strengthened by your example,

aided by your assistance,

may we have the strength to lead a good life,

die a happy death, and come finally to possess

the everlasting happiness of heaven.