San Giuseppe, Terror of Demons, Protector of Holy Church, Pray for Us

On 15 August 1889, Pope Leo XIII issued an encyclical, Quamquam Pluries, encouraging a greater devotion to San Giuseppe. In explaining his reasons, Pope Leo gave a description of the circumstances the Church found herself in that could be said to be similar to today.

"During periods of stress and trial - chiefly when every lawlessness of act seems permitted to the powers of darkness - it has been the custom in the Church to plead with special fervour and perseverance to God, her author and protector, by recourse to the intercession of the saints" . . . . "Now, Venerable Brethren, you know the times in which we live; they are scarcely less deplorable for the Christian religion than the worst days, which in time past were most full of misery to the Church. We see faith, the root of all the Christian virtues, lessening in many souls; we see charity growing cold; the young generation daily growing in depravity of morals and views; the Church of Jesus Christ attacked on every side by open force or by craft; a relentless war waged against the Sovereign Pontiff; and the very foundations of religion undermined with a boldness which waxes daily in intensity. These things are, indeed, so much a matter of notoriety that it is needless for Us to expatiate on the depths to which society has sunk in these days, or on the designs which now agitate the minds of men. In circumstances so unhappy and troublous, human remedies are insufficient, and it becomes necessary, as a sole resource, to beg for assistance from the Divine power." Like I said, sound familiar?

Pope Leo goes on to call for greater prayer by the faithful. He also explained the special role that San Giuseppe played as Padrone of the Universal Church. He also called on the faithful to develop a greater devotion to San Giuseppe, esp asking his intercession. He even had a special prayer composed that he sent out with the encyclical. He called on the faithful to use this pray. "We prescribe that during the whole month of October, after the recitation of the Rosary a prayer to St. Joseph be added and that this custom should be repeated every year."

October is still the month of the Rosary. Sadly the prayer to San Giuseppe has fallen mostly (but not completely) into disuse. Given the fact that the circumstances we face are similar, I would suggest that we again regularly say this prayer, not only after the Rosary during the month of October, but year round.

This prayer is esp appropriate for those of us who are on the front lines battling for the "Culture of Life". As Pope Leo said: "It is, then, natural and worthy that as the Blessed Joseph ministered to all the needs of the family at Nazareth and girt it about with his protection, he should now cover with the cloak of his heavenly patronage and defend the Church of Jesus Christ."

On 15 August 1989, Pope John Paul the Great released an Apostolic Exhortation, Redemptoris Custos to commemorate the 100th Anniversay of Pope Leo's encyclical. Towards the end he echoed Pope Leo's call: "Even today we have many reasons to pray in a similar way: "Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin...graciously assist us from heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness...and just as once you saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God's holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity." Today we still have good reason to commend everyone to St. Joseph."

Pope John Paul went on to say: "It is my heartfelt wish that these reflections on the person of St. Joseph will renew in us the prayerful devotion which my Predecessor called for a century ago. Our prayers and the very person of Joseph have renewed significance for the Church in our day in light of the Third Christian Millennium."

God gave us the gift of the Saints in Heaven interceding for us. He wants us to call on them, just as He wants us to call on our Christian brothers & sisters here on Earth, to intercede for us. We would be foolish not to take advantage of all the gifts available for us to accomplish the work to which we have been called by Jesus.

Prayer of Pope Leo XIII to St. Joseph

To Be Said After the Rosary

To you, O Blessed Joseph, we come in our trials, and having asked the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently ask your patronage also. Through that sacred bond of charity which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the fatherly love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you to look graciously upon the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by his blood, and to aid us in our necessities with your power and strength.
O most provident guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. Most beloved father, dispel the evil of falsehood and sin. Our most mighty protector, graciously assist us from heaven in our struggle with the powers of darkness. And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your help, we may be able to live a virtuous life, to die a holy death, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.