Patron of Travelers

One of St. Joseph’s titles is the Patron of Travelers and for obvious reasons—he did a lot of traveling! Mary and Joseph traveled about 150 kilometers from Nazareth to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus Christ. The family moved to Egypt after Joseph was told in a dream to flee to the now North African country to escape the command of Herod the Great to slaughter children in and around Bethlehem. They reached Egypt after a 65 kilometers journey where they lived for three years until after the death of Herod. When Joseph had a dream that it is safe to return to Israel, the family traveled to Nazareth which took them a journey of at least 170 kilometers. Once settled in Nazareth, the Holy Family would travel 146 kilometers to Jerusalem three times each year for the required feasts.

The Holy Family most likely traveled by foot or by donkey. Walkers had to wear heavy shoes or sandals, and to carry tents, bedding and provisions. Walking speed depended on the climate, season, and terrain, but one could generally walk about 20 miles in a day. Travel in the winter was more difficult as snow often blocked high passes, and rains in October and May flooded the rivers, making them difficult to cross. People travelling by foot would try to travel in groups for protection against the numerous robbers and wild animals.

Today, we can entrust our travels to the intercession of St. Joseph. He who protected the life of our Savior can protect your life and the lives of our loved ones in the journeys in life. 

St. Joseph, Patron of Travelers, protect my family in all of our travels near and far. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Recall a time when you were aware of God’s protection during a trip or outing. Share this testimony with those close to you in order to increase their faith.

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble Offspring of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Chaste Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Foster-Father of the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous Defender of Christ, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph Most Just, pray for us.
Joseph Most Chaste, pray for us.
Joseph Most Prudent, pray for us.
Joseph Most Courageous, pray for us.
Joseph Most Obedient, pray for us.
Joseph Most Faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of Patience, pray for us.
Lover of Poverty, pray for us.
Model of Workmen, pray for us.
Glory of Domestic Life, pray for us.
Guardian of Virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of Families, pray for us.
Comfort of the Afflicted, pray for us.
Hope of the Sick, pray for us.
Patron of the Dying, pray for us.
Terror of Demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
He has made him lord of his household,
And prince over all his possessions.

Let us pray. O God, who, in your loving providence, chose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most Holy Mother, grant us the favor of having him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our protector. You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

Read previous day