Why I'm renewing my devotion to St Joseph

St Joseph and the Christ Child by Guido Reni

Over at The Catholic Herald, I have a piece on why St Joseph is so powerful a saint.  St Teresa of Avila had a neat explanation; it is that Our Lord Jesus Christ had to obey St Joseph when He was a Child, and so in Heaven, Our Lord still does as St Joseph asks. 

Underneath is the novena that ends on March 19th.  This prayer is not exclusively a novena prayer and may be said at any time or any day for any intention.  If you need an urgent favour from St Joseph, and you don't have nine days, you can say the prayer once. 

 Novena to St. Joseph


              
            Oh St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so
            strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I
            place in you all my interests and desires.

            Oh St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful
            intercession and obtain for me from your
            Divine Son all spiritual blessings through
            Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged
            here below your Heavenly power I may offer my
            Thanksgiving and Homage to the Loving of
            Fathers.

            Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you
            and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not
            approach while He reposes near your heart.

            Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head
            for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I
            draw my dying breath.

            St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray
            for us.
            Amen

         Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you
         may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.