The Litany of Saint Joseph

Statue of St. Joseph surrounded by potted plants

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This litany, approved by Pope St. Pius X (1903-14), shows the growing devotion to Saint Joseph in the 20th century. Pope John XXIII (1958-63) also had a deep devotion to Saint Joseph, and he composed A Prayer for Workers, which is addressed to Saint Joseph.

The list of titles applied to Saint Joseph, followed by his saintly attributes, reminds us that the foster father of Jesus is a perfect example of the Christian life. Fathers and families, in particular, should cultivate a devotion to Saint Joseph.

Like all litanies, the Litany of Saint Joseph is designed to be recited communally, but it can be prayed alone. When recited in a group, one person should lead, and everyone else should make the italicized responses. Each response should be recited at the end of each ​line until a new response is indicated.

Litany of St. Joseph


Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Illustrious Scion of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Watchful defender of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most valiant,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of workmen,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the afflicted,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V.
He made him lord over his house,
R.
And the ruler of all his possessions.
Let us pray.

O God, who in Thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thy most holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for an intercessor in heaven, whom we venerate as our protector on earth. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
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Richert, Scott P. "The Litany of Saint Joseph." Learn Religions, Apr. 5, 2023, learnreligions.com/the-litany-of-saint-joseph-542666. Richert, Scott P. (2023, April 5). The Litany of Saint Joseph. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/the-litany-of-saint-joseph-542666 Richert, Scott P. "The Litany of Saint Joseph." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/the-litany-of-saint-joseph-542666 (accessed March 29, 2024).