Joseph wise ruler of God’s earthly household,
Nearest of all men to the heart of Jesus,
Be still a father, lovingly providing for us his brethren.
Saint strong and manly, chosen by the Father,
As trusted guardian of the Son eternal,
Guide us as once you guided Wisdom’s footsteps with sure direction.
Husband of Mary, loving and beloved,
Teach us the joy of love so pure and holy,
Warming our hearts with love for God’s own mother by your example.
Saint of the dying, blest with Mary’s presence,
In death you rested in the arms of Jesus,
So at our ending Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
Come to assist us!
Joseph, the Scriptures love to trace the glories of thy kingly line;
Yet no succession of thy race, No long posterity was thine –
Of her the everlasting spouse who must a Virgin ever be,
The faithful ruler of his house who owns no fatherhood in thee.
There were no songs of old renown,
No crowds to greet you when you came,
Two wanderers to your native town,
That lost inheritance to claim;
But hard the hearts, and cold the air,
And mean the lodging where you lay,
And long the exile you must bear
Till upstart Herod’s dying day.
Joseph, the Church of God protect;
Her priests with holy care endow;
Shield of the virgin – souls elect,
Hope of the fatherless be thou;
And, when our parting spirits cling
To earthly joys that cannot bide,
Make Nazareth in our homes, and bring Jesus and Mary to our side.

*The virtuous person will bloom like the Lily.

St. Joseph’s Convent
Aquem – Alto, Margao.