19th March - Prayer to St Joseph, Protector of the Church

The grotto of St Joseph, at the Priory during the month of March

To Thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations, and, whilst imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love, which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by the fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His Blood, and to help us in our necessities by thy powerful intercession.

Protect, O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Ward off from us, O most loving father, all taint of error and corruption. Graciously assist us from Heaven, O most powerful protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness and, as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that, imitating thy example, and supported by thy aid, we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death, and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven. Amen.