St Joseph Novena

A Journey with St Joseph
Novena of St Joseph
11th– 19th March
2021 A Year of St Joseph ‘Pope Francis has declared a year dedicated to St Joseph, from 8 December 2020 to 8 December 2021. He says: “Each of us can discover in Joseph - the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence - an intercessor, a support and a guide in times of trouble" (Patris Corde - With a Father's Love - Pope Francis). Let's do that. Let's ask St Joseph to keep a watchful eye on this family of the Church, to intercede on our behalf’. – Cardinal Vincent Nichols

St Joseph Novena Day 1 – Joseph, Father of Jesus Day 2 – Joseph, a Man of Patience Day 3 – Joseph, Tender and Loving Day 4 – Joseph, Patron of Workers Day 5 – Joseph, a Man of Perseverance Day 6 – Joseph, Obedient to God’s Will Day 7 – Joseph, Guide of Pilgrims and Migrants Day 8 – Joseph, Courageous in Life Day 9 – Joseph, a Man in the Shadows Praying the Novena

For each day ……… bring yourself into the presence of Our Lord and St Joseph in church or may be in a quiet ‘prayer corner’ at home, perhaps with a candle and a statue or image of St Joseph. Start with the sign of the Cross……..

Opening Prayer

Short Reading from Scripture

reflection from Pope Francis’ Patris Corde

A closing prayer

A suggested Activity

‘Patris Corde – With a Father’s Heart’ – Apostolic Letter from Pope Francis on the 150th Anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church This booklet and additional materials are also available online at: https://rcdow.org.uk/faith/news/st-joseph/

11TH MARCH – DAY 1
Joseph, Father of Jesus
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
O glorious St Joseph, called by God to be protector of Jesus his only begotten Son, be our guide as we come to know our heavenly Father.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Luke 2:15-20: ‘So they hurried away and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Everyone was astonished at what the shepherds had to say.’
How wonderful those first hours as new parents; already full of challenge, and a life ahead of joy and tears, but always full of wonder.
PATRIS CORDE
WITH A FATHER’S HEART: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph”.
CLOSING PRAYER
Many families – and fathers - have struggled this past year: with distance from loved ones, or loss of income, uncertainty, ill health or many other stresses. Bring the fathers and grandfathers you know to Jesus and St Joseph; commend them to their care, and ask their blessing on them.
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.
ACTIVITY
Do you know a father or grandfather who would appreciate a phone call, and some empathy and affirmation?

12TH MARCH – DAY 2
Joseph, a Man of Patience
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
Dear St Joseph, as you met all the trials in your life with patience, teach us to be patient also, ever trusting in God’s mercy.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Luke 2:22-33: ‘When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord’.
The day-to-day practicalities can take up our lives, but accompanied by faith, who knows what wonders may be opened to us.
PATRIS CORDE
Joseph found happiness not in mere self-sacrifice but in self-gift. In him, we never see frustration but only trust. His patient silence was the prelude to concrete expressions of trust. Our world today needs fathers.
CLOSING PRAYER
We’ve spent so much time waiting patiently: in queues; for good news; for benefits; for our turn to be vaccinated. Bring to Jesus and St Joseph everyone still waiting for good news, and all those who, in their lives, always end up at the back of the queue.
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.
ACTIVITY
Light a candle and pray for all those who wait, and are losing hope; ask for the grace to be able to help and accompany anyone you know.

13TH MARCH – DAY 3
Joseph, Tender and Loving
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
O St Joseph, share with us the tenderness and love with which you cared for Jesus, so that we are comforted in our daily life.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Matthew 1:19-24 ‘Joseph did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace’.
Even when we take action that seems proper at the time, we must go forward with love for the other person; it is love that will steer us to what is right and just.
PATRIS CORDE
In Joseph, Jesus saw the tender love of God: “As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him” (Ps 103:13).
CLOSING PRAYER
We’ve seen and benefited from so many examples of tenderness, care and compassion. Bring all carers and medical staff to Jesus and St Joseph, asking for their special blessing on them.
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.
ACTIVITY
Think of the people around you - to whom can you show extra tenderness and love today? Or who do you most hope and pray will experience this from someone else in their life?

14TH MARCH – DAY 4
Joseph, Patron of Workers
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
Craftsman and builder, St Joseph, help us to follow you in your daily tasks, as through our work we build God’s Kingdom here on earth.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Matthew 13:54-57 ‘Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?’
We are often recognised by the work we do, but whether in work or elsewhere, let us always be recognised by our work of bringing God’s Mercy into lives of all those we meet.
PATRIS CORDE
Saint Joseph was a carpenter who earned an honest living to provide for his family. From him, Jesus learned the value, the dignity and the joy of what it means to eat bread that is the fruit of one’s own labour
CLOSING PRAYER
We have discovered a new appreciation for the workers we used to take for granted. Bring these unsung heroes to Jesus and St Joseph, asking that their work and their efforts may be blessed.
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.
ACTIVITY
Today, how can we consciously show our appreciation to those who render us a service?

15TH MARCH – DAY 5
Joseph, a Man of Perseverance
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
St Joseph, through perseverance you brought Mary and Jesus to safety; help us to persevere in our faith, as we journey to our heavenly home.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Luke 2:1-5 – ‘Joseph went up from Nazareth to Bethlehem the town of David.’
In a world of pandemic when our life’s journey has become long and difficult, let us turn to Joseph and learn from a man, who has known what is needed to persevere - Faith.
PATRIS CORDE
If at times God seems not to help us, surely this does not mean that we have been abandoned, but instead are being trusted to plan, to be creative, and to find solutions ourselves.
CLOSING PRAYER
We are all benefiting from the perseverance and dedication of NHS workers, scientists and others at the forefront of the battle against Covid19. Bring them all to Jesus and St Joseph, asking that they be given the strength they need to continue their life-saving work.
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.
ACTIVITY
Light a candle and pray for anyone you know in need of the gifts of inner strength and perseverance.
8
16TH MARCH – DAY 6
Joseph, Obedient to God’s Will
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
St Joseph whose life was one of obedience to God’s will, help us to live a life of obedience too, always ready to follow the commands of God.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Matthew 1:22-24 – ‘Joseph did what the angel of the Lord had commanded and took Mary home as his wife.’
What more can be said: Joseph, close to God, did as he was commanded. Let us always be close to God, to always do his will.
PATRIS CORDE
“When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him” (Mt 1:24). Obedience made it possible for him to surmount his difficulties and spare Mary.
CLOSING PRAYER
This has been a year for obedience: for staying at home and obeying new laws, for the Common Good, even at great cost. We give thanks for all the times we have been able to do this, and ask for help for the times when we struggle.
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.
ACTIVITY
Do you know someone struggling to keep these new rules? How can you support them?

17TH MARCH – DAY 7
Joseph, Guide of Pilgrims & Migrants
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
To you St Joseph do we turn when we journey in prayer, or flee in times of need and persecution, seeking your protection at every step.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Matthew 2:13-18 - ‘The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up and take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt”’
We cannot be sure what the night will bring, but whatever the journey: in prayer, in need, in persecution – or even through death itself, we can be sure that Joseph is with us every step.
PATRIS CORDE
The Holy Family had to face concrete problems like every other family, like so many of our migrant brothers and sisters who, today too, risk their lives to escape misfortune and hunger. In this regard, I consider Saint Joseph the special patron of all those forced to leave their native lands because of war, hatred, persecution and poverty.
CLOSING PRAYER
All who travel, whether they be pilgrims, migrants or refugees, must rely on the welcome and hospitality of others. Bring to Jesus and St Joseph all who seek refuge, and a place of welcome.
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.
ACTIVITY
What can you do to welcome the strangers in your midst?

18TH MARCH – DAY 8
Joseph, Courageous in Life
In the name of the Father………………….
OPENING PRAYER
We call to you St Joseph, help us in our hour need, give us courage to go forward in life with confidence, always trusting in God’s mercy
SCRIPTURE Read from the Gospel of Matthew 1:18-25 - “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” We can’t see beyond the horizon, we don’t always know what is on the road ahead; but like St Joseph let us listen to God’s word, to trust in the message we hear through his Church, and go forward with courage.
PATRIS CORDE
Joseph is certainly not passively resigned, but courageously and firmly proactive. In our own lives, acceptance and welcome can be an expression of the Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude.
CLOSING PRAYER
This year we have all experienced contradictions, frustrations and disappointments. Bring your difficulties and your setbacks to Jesus and St Joseph, and ask them to fill you with the courage and fortitude you need for the time ahead.
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.
ACTIVITY
Light a candle, and pray for anyone who especially needs courage and the gift of fortitude at this time. Give thanks for all those whose quiet courage sustains us.

19TH MARCH - DAY 9
Joseph, a Man in the Shadows
In the name of the Father…………………
OPENING PRAYER
Dearest St Joseph, as you were father to Jesus, God’s only begotten son, may we always seek your guidance as adopted children of God.
SCRIPTURE
Read from the Gospel of Luke 2:41-52 – ‘“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”’ There may be times when it seems that we are unimportant, that we are in the shadows. But we can be sure that, like Joseph, a man in the shadows, God has a task for us alone, to bring the light of Christ into the world.
PATRIS CORDE
In a way, we are all like Joseph: a shadow of the heavenly Father, who “makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Mt 5:45). And a shadow that follows his Son.
CLOSING PRAYER
St Joseph always stands aside and points us to God and to God’s Son. Let him stand beside you, in the shadows, as you speak to Jesus of whatever is in your heart.
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.
ACTIVITY
Look back over this Novena. Has any person, any need, remained in the shadows? How can you bring them into God’s light – through prayer, a phone call, or some other way?

‘A tradition I treasure is that of always having a statue of St Joseph in the kitchen, so often the heart of the home. I recommend this to you. Bring St Joseph into your kitchen. Then he will be before your eyes each day, as protector and guide in these difficult times.’ – Cardinal Vincent Nichols
‘Joseph teaches us that faith in God includes believing he can work even through our fears, our frailties and our weaknesses. He also teaches us that we must never be afraid to let the Lord steer our course. At times, we want to be in complete control, yet God always sees the bigger picture.’
Pope Francis

This booklet has been compiled by Sister Silvana Dallanegra rscj, Caritas Westminster and Deacon Adrian Cullen, Agency for Evangelisation Booklet and additional materials are also available online at:
https://rcdow.org.uk/faith/news/st-joseph
https://rcdow.org.uk