"Prayer To Saint Joseph" Holy Card
The following prayer is found in many places, and was released in 1950 with the Imprimatur of the Bishop of Pittsburgh, Hugh C. Boyle. It is used in novenas, according to the text after the prayer, and the prayer text specifically seems to limit it to "spiritual blessings".
The text of the prayer is:
- Oh, 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.
- Oh, 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.
- Oh, 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 departed souls – pray for me. Amen.
As it was on the official card released in 1950, it often has the following "historical" text below it:
- The above prayer was found in the fiftieth year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles, when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it, or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy, or shall be burned in any fire or shall be overpowered in any battle. Say for nine mornings in a row for anything you may desire. It has never been known to fail.
Below the "historical" text is found the IMPRIMATUR
- Imprimatur: September 25, 1950 Hugh C. Boyle, Bishop of Pittsburgh.
One may take the historical statements as assertions or facts, but they were published under the Imprimatur. The year 50 A.D. is a very early date for a published prayer, preceding much of the New Testament, and the New Testament does not mention very much about the father of Jesus. The statements about the year 1505 A.D. and the Pope and Emperor are not yet supported.
Read more about this topic: Prayer To Saint Joseph
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