Prayer Honoring St. Joseph

Pope Francis closed his apostolic letter Patris Corde with this short prayer to St. Joseph. In fact, he wrote it on December 8, 2020, at the opening of a special jubilee year in his honor. Above all, it is easy to pray on your own or with your family.

Prayer to St. Joseph by Pope Francis

Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.

Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.

Pope Francis
Rome, December 8, 2020

About this prayer to St. Joseph

The prayer opens with the title “Guardian of the Redeemer,” which echoes Redemptoris Custos, the 1989 apostolic exhortation of St. John Paul II. In just a few lines, it also recalls why God chose him: Mary trusted him, and he protected the Holy Family.

The second half, however, turns that trust toward us. In other words, we ask him to be a father to us as well, to guide us, and to obtain grace, mercy and courage. As a result, it is a fitting prayer for parents, for workers, and for anyone facing a difficult season.

When to pray it

• Every day, especially as a short morning or evening prayer.
• On Wednesdays, the day traditionally devoted to him.
• Before his feasts, his solemnity on March 19 and his feast as patron of workers on May 1.
• In times of need, for example for your family, your work or your home.

Additionally, to learn more about why this prayer was written, read our post on how Pope Francis declared a special year in his honor, or read the complete apostolic letter Patris Corde.

Keep him close at home

Finally, Trinity Books in Tucson carries statues and figurines of the saint, medals, holy cards and devotional items to help you make this prayer part of daily life. Call 520-326-8997 or stop by 7930 N. Oracle Road to see what is in stock.