Novena to Saint Joseph the Worker

The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, May 1st, is nine days away. I know it seems I'm posting the same material here recently, but I must do so when it comes to Saint Joseph. He's interceded for my family too many times not to spread the word about his powerful intercession. Invoke him now. He will be one of your best advocates, and a faithful friend in heaven.

At mass on Sunday I was so delighted to discover the abbey will be hosting a series of evening conferences on St. Joseph, which will be given along with the praying of a novena for the next nine days up until his feast. We were able to participate in a similar novena/conference combination at the abbey this past January for the nine days leading up to the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. It was extraordinary. I keep meaning to share some of the sublime aspects of Saint Paul's life I'd never known about, and I will. For now, here is a beautiful prayer and a novena to our beloved patron:

Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker

O glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations, to work with gratitude and joy, in a spirit of penance for the remission of my sins, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God, to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties, to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, having always death before my eyes and the account that I must render of time lost, of talents wasted, of good omitted, of vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St. Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen.

Novena to St. Joseph the Worker

Joseph, by the work of your hands and the sweat of your brow, you supported Jesus and Mary, and had the Son of God as your fellow worker. Teach me to work as you did, with patience and perseverance, for God and for those whom God has given me to support. Teach me to see in my fellow workers the Christ who desires to be in them, that I may always be charitable and forbearing towards all. Grant me to look upon work with the eyes of faith, so that I shall recognize in it my share in God's own creative activity and in Christ's work of our redemption, and so take pride in it. When it is pleasant and productive, remind me to give thanks to God for it. And when it is burdensome, teach me to offer it to God, in reparation for my sins and the sins of the world.

O good father Joseph! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows and joys, to obtain for me what I ask.

(Here name your petition.)

Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers, everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Be near to me in my last moments, that I may eternally sing the praises of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Amen.

(Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be)