The following prayers are taken from St. Alphonsus’ Prayer-Book, edited by Rev. Fr. St. Omer, C.Ss.R., Benziger Brothers, 1888.
Prayer to St. Joseph to Obtain the Gift of Purity
(Called the Efficacious Prayer)
Guardian of virgins, and holy father St. Joseph, to whose faithful custody Christ Jesus, innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed, I pray and beseech thee, by these dear pledges Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste body, ever most chastely serve Jesus and Mary all the days of my life. Amen.*
* 100 days indulgence, once a day (Feb. 4, 1877).
Novena to St. Joseph
Recita el “Hail Mary” nine times, and then the following prayer:
Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my sweet protector St. Joseph! that no one ever had recourse to thy protection or implored thy aid without obtaining relief. Confiding therefore in thy goodness, I come before thee, and humbly supplicate thee. Oh, despise not my petitions, foster-father of the Redeemer, but graciously receive them. Amen.**
** 300 days indulgence, once a day (June 26, 1863).
“Ave” Joseph
Hail, Joseph, son of David, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from whom was born Jesus. St. Joseph, nursing father of Jesus, pray for us, sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph to Obtain the Grace of Sanctification
O most glorious St. Joseph, I pray thee, by the father’s heart which God gave thee for His Son, and by the filial love which Jesus had for thee, to have a special care for the saving of my soul. Be thou, thyself, my director, my guide, and my model. Make me humble, fill me with the spirit of prayer, give me a most generous love for Jesus and Mary, so that by imitating thy virtues I may arrive at the happiness of the elect. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph by St. Clement Mary Hofbauer
St. Joseph, my loving father, I place myself forever under thy protection; look on me as thy child, and keep me from all sin. I take refuge in thy arms, so that Thou mayest lead me in the path of virtue, and assist me at the hour of my death. Amen.
