Q. As men of our parish look toward our Consecration to St. Joseph on his feast day, March 19, what are some traditional prayers we can pray to prepare ourselves?
A. The Memorare to St. Joseph has been meaningful to countless Catholics through the ages. Here’s one popular version: “Remember, most pure spouse of Mary, ever Virgin, my loving protector, St. Joseph, that no one ever had recourse to your protection or asked for your aid without obtaining relief. Confiding, therefore, in your goodness, I come before you and humbly implore you. Despise not my petitions, O Guardian of the Redeemer, but graciously hear and answer them. Amen.”
The Act of Consecration to St. Joseph: “O dearest St. Joseph, I consecrate myself to your honor and give myself to you, that you may always be my father, my protector and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me a greater purity of heart and fervent love of the interior life. After your example may I do all my actions for the greater glory of God, in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. O Blessed St. Joseph, pray for me, that I may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen.”