Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24) as we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 God Our Father, 

we thank You for the gift of St. Joseph, a just and faithful servant, chosen to be the guardian of Your Son and the chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lord, in the silence of his heart, Saint Joseph listened to Your voice and trusted in Your divine plan. When faced with uncertainty and fear, he did not turn away but accepted Your will with courage and obedience. Teach us, O Lord, to imitate his faith, a faith that acts without hesitation, a faith that trusts even in the darkness, a faith that says “yes” to You in all things.

O Saint Joseph, faithful guardian of Jesus Christ, you welcomed the mystery of God into your home and protected Him with loving care. Watch over our families, keep them united in love, and guide all fathers to be strong in virtue and gentle in heart. You who rose in the night to follow the message of the angel, obeying without delay, obtain for us the grace to listen attentively to God’s word and to carry it out with humility. Protector of the Church, model of workers, and patron of a holy and peaceful death, intercede for us in our needs. Help us to live lives of quiet holiness, faithful in small things and generous in love. May we, like you, welcome Christ into our lives, care for Him in our brothers and sisters, and walk each day in trust of the Father’s providence. Amen