Oh, St. Joseph,
whose protection is so great,
so strong, so prompt before the throne of God,
I place in you all my interest 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 most 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 departed souls, pray for me.
(This prayer was found in the 50 th year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles, when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it, or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in battle.)
Imprimatur
Sept. 25, 1950
Hugh C. Boyle
Bishop of Pittsburgh