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PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH FOR THOSE IN ONE'S CARE

(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, to your loving care

were entrusted the Son of God made man

and His Holy Mother, the ever-virgin Mary:

hear and answer the prayer I make to you

on behalf of those who have been

entrusted to my care and keeping

by the same Providence as chose you.

Win for me this grace above all else

that nothing I do or say

shall ever obscure the face of God for them,

or cause them to love Him less.

Give them that same fatherly love and protection

as you gave the Child and His Mother --

protect them from harm,

keep them from evil,

counsel them in doubt,

give them the gladness

that is the inheritance of God's children.

May your prayers be of such avail for them

that nothing may ever blight their growth;

bring them safe to maturity,

and to full stature in Christ Jesus our Lord.