In the Litany of St Joseph, the Church invokes the most chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the foster father and Guardian of the Redeemer, and patron of the Universal Church. In 2021, for the Year of St Joseph, Pope Francis added seven new invocations – included below. Praying this litany is enriched with a partial indulgence.
Pray Along with the Video
Press play and pray along – the full text is below.
Full Text of the Litany
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father in heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
The response to each of the following invocations is: pray for us.
Holy Mary,
Saint Joseph,
Illustrious son of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Guardian of the Redeemer,
Pure Guardian of the Virgin,
Provider for the Son of God,
Zealous defender of Christ,
Servant of Christ,
Minister of salvation,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph, most just,
Joseph, most chaste,
Joseph, most prudent,
Joseph, most brave,
Joseph, most obedient,
Joseph, most loyal,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model for workers,
Glory of family life,
Guardian of virgins,
Cornerstone of families,
Support in difficulties,
Comfort of the sorrowing,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of exiles,
Patron of the afflicted,
Patron of the poor,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of the Holy Church,
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. He made him master of his house,
R. and ruler of all his possessions.
Let us pray: O God, who in your inexpressible providence were pleased to choose Saint Joseph as spouse of your most holy Mother, grant, we pray, that we, who revere him as our protector on earth, may be worthy of his heavenly intercession. Who live and reign for ever and ever. R. Amen.
When to Pray This Litany
On Wednesdays, traditionally dedicated to St Joseph; on his feasts – March 19 (St Joseph, Husband of Mary) and May 1 (St Joseph the Worker); during the Novena to St Joseph; and whenever you need a father’s protection, help with work, or peace in your family.
Related Prayers
🕊 New prayers every week – subscribe on YouTube. And if you carry an intention today, share it here.
Source note: Prayer text – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Litany of Saint Joseph” (usccb.org), the approved translation incorporating the invocations added by Pope Francis in 2021. The USCCB notes this translation may be freely published.