The Saint Joseph Chaplet

Besides the Marian rosary, there are actually many different Catholic strings of beads used as prayer aids. Coming from a time when people were less literate, praying with beads helped by easy memorization and a straightforward way of repetitive prayer.  It is time to revisit and provide a more contemporary and meaningful way of praying this particular chaplet. Traditionally used as a “shortcut” for contemplating the fifteen mysteries of the traditional Marian rosary, why not use it to focus on Joseph?! That turns this particular chaplet into a better catechetical device and enriches devotion to Saint Joseph. That way the fifteen single WHITE beads reflect on who Joseph is and his role in the salvation story:

1. Husband and Spouse of the BVM (March 19)

2. Dreamer

3. Foster Father (Christmas Nativity)

4. Purification in the Jewish Temple (Presentation Feb 2)

5. Protector in persecution (Holy Innocents Dec28)

6. Refugee- Flight to Egypt

7. Observant Jew-Finding in the Temple of 12-year-old JC

8. Leader of the household/Guardian of the Holy Family

9. Carpenter/Housebuilder (May 1 Worker)

10. Prudent Teacher

11. Silent (He does not say anything in the Scriptures!)

12. Just and Humble

13. Patron of a Holy Death

14. Terror of Demons

15. Protector of the Church

These fifteen aspects of Joseph can be explored for further meditation within Scripture and Church teaching. 

On each of the colored beads (typically either blue or purple) pray:

Praised and blessed be Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!

OR

Saint Joseph we love and honor you, protect and guide us!

For the front introductory five beads, pray:

1. (colored) Apostle’s Creed

2. (white) Opening ancient St. Joseph Prayer:

0 Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

0 Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

0 Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen.

3/4/5 (colored) three Our Fathers

 

 

Concluding prayer after the fifteen "mysteries" or titles:

V. Pray for us, O holy St. Joseph!

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ!

V. Let us pray.

O God, who predestined Saint Joseph from all eternity for the service of your eternal Son and His Blessed Mother and made this man worthy to be the spouse of the Blessed Virgin and the foster father of your Son: we beseech Thee, through all the services Blessed Joseph has rendered to Jesus and Mary on earth, that you would make us worthy of his intercession and grant us to enjoy the happiness of his company in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.