Day 1: Model of Purity

“He resolved to remain chaste in the midst of the world, and thus excluded himself from the road to all human greatness and glory…Let us earnestly beseech him to obtain for us from God the grace to be able, after his example, to lead pure and stainless lives on earth, that we may one day be with him in Heaven beholding the Face of God; for, as Christ has told us, it is only the clean of heart who shall see God.”

– The Life and Glories of Saint Joseph, by Edward Healy Thompson

Our Lenten Effort

Our society takes pride in impurity. But it is our obligation to be in the world and not of the world. We must practice purity regardless of our state in life—as singles, married, or religious!

Let us resolve to:

• Pray to St. Joseph for purity in priests.
• Pray to St. Joseph for purity in families.
• Practice purity in your own life by avoiding occasions of sin, such as books, movies, and places which might lead us into impurity.

Novena Prayer

O 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.

O Saint Joseph, do 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. O 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. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us.

(Here mention your request)

Saint Joseph, you were privileged to share in the mystery of the Incarnation as the foster-father of Jesus. You helped to protect Mary’s virginity before and during your married life with her.

You shared in the support, upbringing, and protection of the Divine Child as His foster father. For this purpose the Heavenly Father gave you the genuine heart of a father—a heart full of love and self-sacrifice.

Dear Saint Joseph, help us also to fulfill God’s Will in our lives by cooperating as closely as we can with the graces and blessings Our Lord sends us every day. May His Kingdom come! Amen.

Please submit your prayer intentions for Nine Holy Masses in honor of St. Joseph, from March 11-19, so that you can receive an email every day during the novena.