Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Guardian of the Redeemer, and Patron of the Universal Church

Today is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Guardian of the Redeemer, and Patron of the Universal Church.  It has repeatedly been the practice of the Church to appeal to St. Joseph in time of trouble, including plagues and pandemics.  Thus we turn to him in our need, and we continue turning to him until this crisis shall pass.  The following prayer is a beautiful prayer of petition, though it is one of many.  There are devotionals in the back of St. Mary's Church and in the narthex of Sacred Heart Church: feel free to take one, even to take one home, and use it.  Great things have happened with recourse to St. Joseph.

Blessed Joseph, husband of Mary, be with us this day.  You protected and cherished the virgin; loving the child Jesus has your son, you rescued him from the danger of death.  Defend the Church, the household of God, purchased by the blood of Christ.

Guardian of the Holy Family, be with us in our trials.  May your prayers obtain for us the strength to flee from error and wrestle with the powers of corruption, so that in life we may grow in holiness, and in death rejoice in the crown of victory.