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: Rene 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, which 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.
"Te Joseph Celebrent".
The Hymn (First Tone) of Second Vespers
for The Solemnity of Saint Joseph.
Available on YouTube at
