March
ST. JOSEPH, ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, &c.
Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph
1. O glorious St. Joseph, most pure spouse of thy most holy Mary, even as the trouble and anguish of thy heart was great in the perplexity of abandoning thy most chaste and stainless spouse, so, too, inexplicable was thy delight when by the angel was revealed to thee the sovereign mystery of the Incarnation.
Through this sorrow and this joy of thine, we pray thee, now and in our last agony, to comfort our soul with the joy of a good life, and of a holy death, like unto thine between Jesus and Mary.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.
2. O glorious St. Joseph, most blessed patriarch, who wast selected for the office of reputed father of the Word made Man, the grief which thou didst feel at seeing the child Jesus born in such great poverty was suddenly changed for thee into heavenly exultation at hearing the angelic harmony, and seeing the glories of that most resplendent night.
Through this sorrow and this joy of thine, we beseech thee to obtain for us that, after the journey of this life is over, we may pass hence to hear the angelic praises, and to enjoy the splendours of the glory of heaven.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.
3. O glorious St. Joseph, who didst fulfil most obediently all God's commands, the most precious blood which the child Redeemer shed in the circumcision struck death into thy heart, but the name of Jesus revived it and filled it full of joy.
Through this sorrow and this joy of thine, obtain for me that all vices having been taken from us during life, we may expire in exultation with the most holy name of Jesus in our hearts and upon our lips.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father.
