Praying to Saint Joseph for Priests
Prayer to Saint Joseph for Priests
O glorious Saint Joseph, thou who, on the word of the angel speaking to thee in the night, didst put fear aside to take thy Virgin Bride into thy home, show thyself today the advocate and protector of priests.
Guardian of the Infant Christ, defend them against every attack of the enemy, preserve them from the dangers that surround them on every side. Forget not Herod’s threats against the Child, the anguish of the flight into Egypt by night, and the hardships of thy exile.
Stand by the accused; stretch out thy hand to those who have fallen; comfort the fearful; forsake not the weak; and visit the lonely. Let all priests know that in thee God hath given them a model of faith in the night, of obedience in adversity, of chastity in tenderness, and of hope in uncertainty.
Thou art the terror of demons and the healer of those wounded in spiritual combat. Come, then, to the defence of every priest in need; overcome evil with good. Where there are curses, put blessings, where harm hath been done, do thou good. Let there be joy for the priests of the Church, and peace for all under thy gracious protection. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Joseph for a Particular Priest
O glorious Saint Joseph, I present to thee this day Father N., priest of Jesus Christ, and beg thee to be to him advocate and defender, counselor and friend. Open thy heart to him as thou didst open thy home to the Virgin Mother in her hour of need. Protect his holy priesthood as thou didst protect the life of the Infant Christ threatened by cruel Herod. In darkness bring him light; in weakness, strength; and in fear the peace that passeth understanding. For the sake of the tender love that bound thee to the Virgin Mary and to the Infant Christ, be thou for him, Saint Joseph, a constant intercessor and a shield against every danger of body, mind, and soul so that, in spite of his weaknesses and sins, his priesthood may bring glory to Christ and serve to increase the beauty of holiness in His bride the Church. Amen.
