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This form of novena was
originally devised by the celebrated Fr. Louis Lallemant, S.J.
(1587 – 1633). It has proved particularly effective in
obtaining favors through the intercession of St. Joseph. In
the Life of this saintly priest and great master of the
spiritual life, to whom St. Joseph never refused anything he
asked, the story is told that on one occasion he urged two
young priests to make this novena, promising that they would
obtain everything they asked through the intercession of St.
Joseph, if in turn, they would show him special honor and
spread devotion to him among others.
Both did as Fr. Lallemant
suggested. One of them asked for grace to speak and write
worthily of Our Lord. But the next day he came to Fr.
Lallemant to tell him that, upon reflection, he wished to ask
for a different grace, which he considered more conductive to
his perfection. Fr. Lallemant replied, “It is too late now to
ask for another grace. The first one has already been
granted.” This grace was conspicuously displayed throughout
the whole course of the priest’s life, as he became one of the
most noted preachers and writers of his day.
How to Make this Novena
No particular prayers need
to be said for this novena. Every day for nine days, turn to
St. Joseph in spirit four times during the day and honor him
in the following four points. (These “visits” may be made
anywhere – at home, at work, on the street, in the car or bus
– and at any time.)
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During the first visit, consider St.
Joseph’s fidelity to grace. Reflect upon the action of
the Holy Ghost in his soul. At the conclusion of this brief
meditation, thank God for so honoring St. Joseph, and ask,
through his intercession, for a similar grace.
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Later in the day, consider St. Joseph’s
fidelity to the interior life. Study his spirit of
recollection. Think, thank God, and ask.
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Later still, consider St. Joseph’s love
for Our Lady. Think, thank God, and ask.
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Finally, in a fourth visit, reflect upon
St. Joseph’s love for the Divine Child. Think, thank
God, and ask
Prayer Which May Be Said at
the Conclusion of the Visits
(These prayers
are adapted from Reflections for a Novena to St. Joseph,
by Sister Emily Joseph, C.S.J.)
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O My God, I thank Thee and bless Thee for
St. Joseph’s great faithfulness to grace. Grant that,
through his loving intercession and the power of his
example, I too may be faithful to grace. O St. Joseph,
intercede for me, and obtain for me the favor I ask.
(Name your request).
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O My God, I thank Thee and bless Thee for
St. Joseph’s great faithfulness to the interior
life. Grant that, through his loving intercession and the
power of his example, I too may be faithful to the interior
life. O St. Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me the
favor I ask. (Name your request).
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O My God, I thank Thee and bless Thee for
St. Joseph’s great love for Our Lady. Grant that, through
his loving intercession and the power of his example, I too
may truly love the Blessed Virgin Mary. O St. Joseph,
intercede for me, and obtain for me the favor I ask.
(Name your request).
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O My God, I thank Thee and bless Thee for
St. Joseph’s great love for the Divine Child. Grant that,
through his loving intercession and the power of his
example, I too may truly love the Child Jesus. O St.
Joseph, intercede for me, and obtain for me the favor I ask.
(Name your request).
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