Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Solemnity

Saint Joseph, the just man of Nazareth, guarded Mary and raised Jesus as his own. He is Patron of the Universal Church (proclaimed by Pius IX in 1870).

A solemnity on a Friday of Lent: the usual Friday abstinence does not apply today (canon 1251).

Readings of the day

Sorrowful Mysteries

Fourth Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

“The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”John 19:17

Jesus carries His Cross to Calvary. Simon of Cyrene is made to help Him, and along the way He speaks to the women of Jerusalem who weep for Him.

Fruit of the mystery: Patience

Prayer to Saint Joseph

To you, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your thrice-holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence. Shield each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holily, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

Pope Leo XIII, Quamquam pluries, 1889 (abridged)

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A notification each morning with the day’s mysteries, a mystery to meditate on with its scripture, and a short prayer. Free, no account.

This day’s five mysteries (Sorrowful Mysteries)

The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
The Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion

Coming up

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the LordSun, Mar 21 · Sunday
Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s SupperThu, Mar 25
Friday of the Passion of the LordFri, Mar 26
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the LordSun, Mar 28 · Solemnity
Second Sunday of Easter or Sunday of Divine MercySun, Apr 4 · Sunday

✝ Pray the full Rosary

Liturgical calendar for the dioceses of the USA (General Roman Calendar and U.S. proper), checked against the USCCB liturgical calendar. Readings: citations from the U.S. Lectionary for Mass, text from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain).

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