The Litanies of Saint Joseph has three parts that extol Saint Joseph’s virtues, starting with his titles as a spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and earthly father of Jesus Christ. The first part of the litany also identifies him as the guardian of the Redeemer, the patron of the universal church, and the terror of demons. As we continue meditating on the litany, we also recognise Joseph as a just man, a man of faith and hope, a man who worked hard, and a man who patiently endured many trials. The litany also reminds us of Saint Joseph’s compassion, his humility, and his willingness to serve others selflessly.
Moving on to the second part of the litany, we acknowledge the dominant roles Joseph played in the Holy Family – as a true servant, as a teacher, and as the faithful custodian of God’s divine plan. The litany reminds us of his unwavering love for Mary, his devoted fatherly affection towards Jesus, and his intense devotion to the Holy Family. We also recognise Saint Joseph’s gentle and peaceful disposition, his guidance and wisdom, and his protection over the body and soul.
In the concluding part of the Litanies of Saint Joseph, we pray for Saint Joseph’s saintly intercession and call upon him for assistance in our spiritual journey. We ask for his protection from every form of evil, temptations that assault our souls and bodies, storms, and perplexities of life. We remember the longing of Saint Joseph to die in the arms of Jesus and Mary, as we beseech the Saint to obtain for us the grace of a holy death. We also ask Saint Joseph to defend the church and protect the faithful, and to be our guide and hope in times of trial.
Throughout the Litanies of Saint Joseph, we recognise Saint Joseph’s heavenly virtues. We acknowledge the many practical skills of Saint Joseph as a carpenter, but also the deep spiritual virtues he possessed that contributed to the Holy Family’s sanctity. Saint Joseph was a man of faith; he trusted in God’s plan and accepted Mary into his life despite seeming obstacles. Saint Joseph was a man of prayer who had a direct and constant line of communication with the Holy Spirit. Saint Joseph was a man of humility, which is evident in the fact that he allowed Mary and Jesus to take centre stage in the life of the Holy Family.
In sum, The Litanies of Saint Joseph is a beautiful prayer that honours the virtues of Saint Joseph and seeks his intercession and guidance. The litany encourages us to take a moment and meditate on the admirable qualities of Saint Joseph that are worthy of emulation. The Litanies are a perfect way to deepen our spiritual life and to seek our innermost desires with the help of this great Saint. Saint Joseph is a powerful intercessor, and his willingness to serve the Holy Family serves as an example for all of us. We should follow his footsteps by trusting in God’s plan, being dedicated to our families and communities, striving to live virtuously and selflessly, and asking for his intercession and prayers to guide us in our journey towards eternal life.