Litany of St. Joseph
The Litany of St. Joseph is the official litany approved by the Church for honoring St. Joseph. Approved by Pope St. Pius X in 1909, this beautiful prayer invokes St. Joseph under his many glorious titles, each one highlighting a different aspect of his virtue and his role in salvation history.
A litany is a form of prayer consisting of a series of invocations followed by a repeated response. When praying the Litany of St. Joseph, the leader speaks the invocations (the titles of St. Joseph) and others respond with "Pray for us." This makes it ideal for group prayer, though it can certainly be prayed alone.
This litany is particularly appropriate during March (the month dedicated to St. Joseph), on his feast days (March 19 and May 1), and whenever you seek his powerful intercession.
The Litany of St. Joseph
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of 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.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph most just, pray for us.
Joseph most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph most courageous, pray for us.
Joseph most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of workmen, pray for us.
Glory of domestic life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of families, pray for us.
Comfort of the afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. He has made him lord of his household.
R. And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray:
O God, who in your loving providence chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You who live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
Understanding St. Joseph's Titles
Each title in the litany reveals something beautiful about St. Joseph's character and mission:
Noble Offspring of David
St. Joseph was a direct descendant of King David, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's line. Through Joseph, Jesus was legally established as a son of David.
Terror of Demons
This powerful title reminds us that evil spirits flee from St. Joseph. As the protector of Jesus and Mary, he defeated Satan's plan to destroy the Christ Child. He continues to protect us from spiritual attacks.
Patron of the Dying
Tradition holds that St. Joseph died in the arms of Jesus and Mary—the holiest death imaginable. He intercedes for all who are approaching death, helping them to die in God's grace.
Model of Workmen
As a carpenter who worked with his hands to support the Holy Family, St. Joseph sanctified human labor. He is the patron of all workers and shows us the dignity of honest work.
When to Pray the Litany
- Wednesdays: Traditionally dedicated to St. Joseph
- March: The month of St. Joseph
- March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph
- May 1: St. Joseph the Worker
- During novenas: Can be added to the daily novena prayer
- For protection: When seeking defense against evil
- For family intentions: As pillar of families