Text from The Saint Andrew Daily Missal,
unless otherwise stated.
The Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
Spouse of The Blessed Virgin Mary,
Confessor and Patron of The Universal Church.
Third Wednesday after Easter.
(Wednesday after Good Shepherd Sunday).
Double of The First-Class
with an Octave.
[Note: An Octave was given to this Solemnity, rather than to The Feast of Saint Joseph on 19 March, because Feasts falling in Lent may not have Octaves.]
White Vestments.
Saint Joseph.
Spouse of The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Confessor and Patron of The Universal Church.
Illustration: UNA VOCE OF ORANGE COUNTY
Artist: René de Cramer.
“Copyright Brunelmar/Ghent/Belgium”.
Used with Permission.
Today's Mass might be represented by a Triptych (see, below), showing us that Saint Joseph is the protector, whom Divine Providence has chosen for His Church.
1. The Epistle speaks to us of Joseph, who, in The Old Testament, is a figure of Saint Joseph. The dying Jacob prophesies that his son, Joseph, "shall be the Pastor and Strength of Israel, and that The Almighty shall shower Blessings upon him." And Joseph was established by Pharao over the entire land of Egypt, so that the salvation of all depended upon him. [The Lessons and Responses of The First Nocturn of Matins.] The whole Church has recourse to Saint Joseph with confidence.
2. The Gospel, Collect, and Communion, explaining the connection between The Heavenly Trinity and The Holy Family, this Trinity on Earth, show forth the power of Saint Joseph. Jesus is, at the same time, Son of God and Son of man. Mary is The Spouse of The Holy Ghost, and it is the will of God The Father that Saint Joseph should be considered father of Christ and that he should exercise paternal rights over Him (Preface).
3. Lastly, the Introit, Collects, Alleluia, and Offertory, show us Saint Joseph as the guardian of the new Jerusalem, which is The Church, to watch over her in the midst of all her tribulations.
Full of confidence in the patronage of Saint Joseph, let us honour his Title of Protector on Earth, so as to deserve his help from Heaven (Collect).
Mass: Adjútor.
Creed: Is said.
Preface of Saint Joseph during The Octave.
Preface of Saint Joseph during The Octave.
“Te Joseph Celebrent”.
The Hymn (First Tone) of Second Vespers
for The Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
Available on YouTube at
Prayer To Saint Joseph.
Prescribed by Pope Leo XIII, for the Month of October,
after the recitation of The Rosary and The Litany of Our Lady.
Indulgence: 300 Days.
21 September 1889.
Unto thee. O, Blessed Joseph, do we fly in our tribulation and, having implored the help of thy Holy Spouse, we now also confidently seek thy protection.
By that affection which united thee to The Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by thy fatherly love for The Child Jesus, we humbly beg thee to look down with compassion on the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood, and in our need to help us by thy powerful intercession.
Do thou, O prudent Guardian of The Holy Family,
watch over the chosen people of Jesus Christ.
Keep us, O loving father, safe from all error
and corruption. O great protector, from thy place
in Heaven, graciously help us in our contest
against The Powers of Darkness.
And as of old thou didst rescue The Child Jesus from
the danger of death, so now defend God's Holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity.
Extend to each one of us thy continual protection,
that, led on by thine example, and strengthened
by thine aid, we may live and die in holiness,
and obtain everlasting happiness in Heaven.
Amen.
