The Guardian's Watch

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, in your providence you chose St. Joseph to be the husband of Mary and the guardian of your Son. As I begin this novena, let me learn from his quiet faith and ready obedience. Through his intercession, watch over all that you have entrusted to me, and teach me to serve you in the ordinary work of my days. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, 'Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.'

When danger came, Joseph rose in the night and carried his family to safety. He asked no questions and waited for no morning. The one God set to guard the Redeemer teaches us a vigilant, sacrificial love - the kind that acts for those in its care before thinking of itself.

Father, you entrusted your own Son to Joseph's protection, and he did not fail. Make me watchful and brave for those you have given me to love. Through his intercession, give me the courage to protect, the readiness to sacrifice, and the wisdom to lead my household toward you. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Joseph, faithful guardian of Jesus and Mary, you provided for the Holy Family by the work of your hands and protected them in every danger. Take my needs into your fatherly care, and present them to your foster Son. Obtain for me a working heart, a watchful love for those in my charge, and at the last, a peaceful death in the friendship of God. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.