Litany of St Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family
Invoking Saint Joseph under his many titles, with the response Pray for us
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
The Litany of St Joseph was approved by Pope Saint Pius X in 1909, and Pope Francis added seven new invocations in 2021, including Guardian of the Redeemer and Support in difficulties. It is prayed on Wednesdays, during March, and on his feasts, March 19 and May 1. Here are its structure, a selection of invocations, and a closing prayer.
Let us pray
The litany begins with the Kyrie and invocations to the Trinity and to Holy Mary, then addresses Saint Joseph under some thirty titles, each answered with Pray for us. It ends with the Lamb of God, the versicle He made him the lord of his household, and a collect. Among its invocations:
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Illustrious son of David, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.
Foster father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph most just, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Model of workers, pray for us.
Pillar of families, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Closing prayer: Saint Joseph, you spoke no recorded word in the Gospels, yet God trusted you with His Son and His Mother. You protected them in Bethlehem, in Egypt, and in Nazareth, and you provided for them with your hands. Be for my family what you were for theirs.
Watch over the men of my household, that they may learn from you a quiet, faithful strength. Guard our home from harm and from division. Provide work for those who seek it and dignity for those who labor. Stand beside the dying, as you were accompanied in death by Jesus and Mary. And when I have no words for God, teach me your silence, which was itself a prayer. Amen.
Blessing
May Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, guard your family too, and teach you his quiet, trusting strength.
How to pray this prayer
- Find a quiet moment and breathe slowly.
- Read the prayer aloud or in your heart.
- Add your own intention before the Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Litany of St Joseph prayed?
Wednesday is the day traditionally dedicated to Saint Joseph, and March is his month. The litany is prayed especially on March 19, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, and on May 1, the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, as well as during his novena.
What did Pope Francis add to the litany?
In 2021, for the Year of Saint Joseph, seven invocations were added: Guardian of the Redeemer, Servant of Christ, Minister of salvation, Support in difficulties, Patron of exiles, Patron of the afflicted, and Patron of the poor.
How do I pray a litany alone?
Say each title and then the response yourself, slowly. Litanies are repetitive on purpose; the rhythm quiets the mind and lets a single title, such as Hope of the sick or Pillar of families, speak to what you are living through.
People also pray
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From morning bells to Sunday evening: rest, worship, family, and peace
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For loved ones, for the forgotten dead, and for those who died suddenly or alone
Read more →Prayer for Protection for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Placing body, home, travel, and family under God's shield
Read more →Prayer for Family Unity, Peace, and Protection
Asking God to bless every member of your household and heal what is strained
Read more →More prayers to St. Joseph
View all →Prayer for my son: protection, faith, and his future
A parent's prayer placing a son of any age in God's hands
Read more →Novena to St Joseph for work, family, and a holy death
Nine days of prayer to the guardian of the Holy Family, with daily intentions
Read more →Monday morning prayer to hand the new week to God
Strength for the uphill road, a blessing on work and coworkers, protection for the family
Read more →Wednesday morning prayer for the middle of the week
Perseverance at the halfway point, with Saint Joseph the quiet worker
Read more →Prayer to St Joseph for Work, Family, and a Holy Death
Entrusting your needs to the quiet protector of the Holy Family
Read more →Do you need prayer?
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