Solemnity of St. Joseph

El Greco, St. Joseph

An abbreviated Litany to St. Joseph

St. Joseph, pray for us
Joseph most chaste, pray for us
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us
Glory of home life, pray for us
Pillar of families, pray for us
Hope of the sick, pray for us
Patron of the dying, pray for us
Terror of demons, pray for us
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us


St. Joseph, pray in a special way for Pope Francis, protect him, inspire him, strengthen him, that, like you cared for and safeguarded the Blessed Virgin Mary and the child Jesus, he may care for and safeguard the Bride of Christ. Today also, I ask your powerful intercession on behalf of Benedict XVI, who was given your name at his baptism.

Here is the first paragraph of Pope Francis' homily for his Mass of Installation as Bishop of Rome:

"I thank the Lord that I can celebrate this Holy Mass for the inauguration of my Petrine ministry on the solemnity of Saint Joseph, the spouse of the Virgin Mary and the patron of the universal Church. It is a significant coincidence, and it is also the name-day of my venerable predecessor: we are close to him with our prayers, full of affection and gratitude."