Chaste Guardian of the Virgin

St. Joseph was the Spouse of God’s Mother, but by a wonderful anomaly also the Guardian of her Virginity. Just as in Mary are combined miraculously two seemingly incompatible things, motherhood and virginity; so too in Joseph, to be Mary’s husband and yet shield of his wife’s virginity. Saint Joseph and Mary lived in what is often called a “Josephite marriage.” They were truly husband and wife, but they never engaged in sexual relations. They were both consecrated to God and sacrificed a natural good for a greater good: the salvation of souls.

Chastity is an important virtue. To be chaste is to have self-mastery and to be in control of your passions and sexuality. Chastity preserves the human heart and body for authentic self-giving. All people, no matter their vocation in life, are called to chastity. 

While some are called to priesthood or consecrated life, most men and women are called to marriage. Both vocations are necessary. Without marriage, there are no children. Without priests, there are no Sacraments. Spouses need to be chaste in marriage; priests and bishops need to be chaste in their priesthood. God wants all people to model the chastity and self-giving of St. Joseph.[ii]

St. Joseph, in a world that is blinded by impurity, help me to resist temptations and to have self-mastery over my passions. Pray for me to live my vocation in a chaste and holy way. Pray the Litany of St. Joseph.

Daily Challenge

Resolve today to decisively confront patterns of impure thoughts, words and deeds and replace them with the virtue of chastity with the help of St. Joseph.

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.

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