Novena to St. Joseph

Day One
FOSTER-FATHER OF JESUS
Fr. Rudolf V. D' Souza

Introduction:
Saint Joseph was privileged to share in the mystery of the Incarnation as the foster-father of Jesus. Mary alone was directly connected with the fulfillment of the mystery, in that she gave her consent to Christ's conception and allowed the Holy Spirit to form the sacred humanity of Jesus from her blood. St. Joseph had a part in this mystery in an indirect manner, by fulfilling the condition necessary for the Incarnation-the protection of Mary's virginity before and during the married life with her. During this first day of Novena we pray for all parents who take such a lot of troubles to take care of their families.

Prayer of the Faithful:

Lord, we present to you our prayers on this first day of Novena to St. Joseph as the Foster Father of Jesus. Listen to our Prayers.

Your Response: Lord Hear Our Prayers

1. For Pope Benedict the Sixteenth, for our Bishop Bosco Penha, and all the Bishops and the Clergy, that they may take care of the Church: Let us Pray to the Lord.

2. We pray for all the parents, that they may have courage, patience, understanding towards their children and family members: Let us Pray to the Lord

3. We pray for all the parents who are discouraged, disappointed and fearful, that they may be inspired by the virtues of St. Joseph. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. We remember all the faithful departed, especially our departed grand parents and parents, that they may enjoy eternal bliss. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. We pray for all the leaders of our associations, cells and groups, that they may set a good example through their responsible lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

Let us Pray:
God Our Father, we thank you for giving us St. Joseph, who inspires us through his virtuous life. Give our parents the courage and simplicity to give good example to all those who are younger and weaker to them. We make this prayer thought Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

Second Day
VIRGINAL HUSBAND OF MARY
Fr. Elias D' Souza

Introduction:
Saint Joseph, was the true husband of Mary. Scripture says: "Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, and of her was born Jesus who is called Christ" (Matt. 1:16). St. Joseph's marriage to Mary was a sacred contract by which you and Mary gave yourselves to each other. Mary really belonged to Joseph with all she was and had. Joseph had a right to her love and obedience; and he esteemed her, loved her and protected her. During this mass we pray for all husbands to love and protect their wives.

 

Prayer of the Faithful:

 

1. We pray for all the leaders of all the nations, that they may be strengthened to take decisions in favor of poor and unfortunate people. Response - Lord Hear Our Prayers

2. We remember today all parents, teachers, and association heads that they may give true witness to Gospel Values. Response - Lord Hear Our Prayer

3. For married Couples, that they may be inspired by the simplicity and humility of St. Joseph. Response - Lord hear Our Prayer.

4. For all the Unemployed of our Parish, that they may obtain a decent job to support their family. Response - Lord Hear Our Prayers.

 

Let Us Pray: God our Father, we thank you for giving us St. Joseph, the model of a good family. We ask you to inspire us to be simple and holy like St. Joseph, that we may contribute to the good of our families and to our neighborhood. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
 

 

Third Day
MAN CHOSEN BY THE BLESSED TRINITY
Fr. Deepak Thomas

Introduction:
Saint Joseph was the man chosen by God the Father. He selected him to be His representative on earth, hence He granted him all the graces and blessings he needed to be His worthy representative. The words of the Old Testament which Pharaoh spoke concerning Joseph of Egypt can well be applied here: "Can we find such another man, that is full of the spirit of God, or a wise man like to him?" (Gen. 41:38). Let us pray during this Eucharist, for the gift of the Holy Spirit, that God may choose us to accomplish his will on earth.

Prayer of the Faithful:

1. We pray for Pope Benedict the 16^th, for our Zonal Bishop Bosco Penha and all the Bishops, that they may work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God. Let us Pray. Your Response: Holy Spirit Strengthen Us.

2. Today we pray in a special way for the youth of our parish, that they may choose their future guided by the spirit of prayer. Your Response:

3. For our Children, in their weakness, solitude, and challenges, they may be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Response

4. For all those who cannot over come their weaknesses, that they may not be discouraged and disappointed. Response:

5. We pray for all the terminally ill of our Parish, that they may surrender to God's will. Response. 

Let Us Pray:
God our Heavenly Father, we surrender ourselves into your hands. We need your guidance in our daily work, study, and in our relationship. Help us always to do the right things so that your kingdom may be established in our families and in our society. We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

 

Fourth Day
FAITHFUL SERVANT
Fr. Alfred Menezes

Introduction:
When God sent an angel to tell St. Joseph to care for Mary, he obeyed in spite of the mystery which surrounded her motherhood. When he was told to flee into Egypt under painful conditions, he obeyed without the slightest word of complaint. When God advised him in a dream to return to Nazareth, he obeyed. In every situation your his was as simple as his faith, as humble as his heart, as prompt as his love. Today we pray during this Eucharist for the gift and perseverance of obedience in our lives. 

Prayer of the Faithful: 

1. We pray for Children and youth today, that they may cultivate the virtue of obedience to their parents and teachers. Response - Lord help us to obey your Word.

2. Today we pray for all the citizens of our Country, that they may learn to obey the rules of their institutions, Schools, Colleges and especially the traffic rules. Response

3. For perfect obedience between couples, so that they may build a family after the example of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Response.

4. That man may obey also the laws of Nature in stead of destroying the nature for a bright future of our Mother Earth. Response.

5. That we may obey God in all areas of life, respecting life, preserving it and fostering life for the good of all creation. Response.

 

Let Us Pray:
God our Father, you have created us. You sent your only Son to redeem us. We thank for your generosity. Help us to obey your commandments so that we may always live in accordance to your will. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

Fifth Day
PATRON OF THE CHURCH
Fr. Victor Fernandes 

Introduction:
God has appointed St. Joseph patron of the Catholic Church because he was the head of the Holy Family, the starting-point of the Church. He was the father, protector, guide and support of the Holy Family. For that reason he belonged in a particular way to the Church, which was the purpose of the Holy Family's existence. We pray during this Eucharist that we all may try to make our Parish a Holy Family after the example of St. Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Let us pray for this grace.

Prayer of the Faithful:

 

1. We pray for the Universal Church and our Local Church at Mira Road that all the faithful may realize that they belong to this faith community and render service for its growth. Let us Pray to the Lord. Your Response: Lord Keep Us united in the Church.

2. Today the Church faces challenges in all regions, especially where there is no freedom to practice ones faith. We pray that the Lord may enlighten people towards true freedom. Response.

3. There are a lot of people who have abandoned the mother Church and have joined sects. Lord help them realize the riches of Catholic Church. Response.

4. We pray for all those who have lost their faith and live in sin, so that they may be inspired to make a good confession of their sins and get back to the Church. Response.

5. We pray for all the missions in the world that all those who work in these missions may be empowered to spread God's Kingdom. Response.

 

Let Us Pray:
We pray O Lord for all those who work for the Church, for priest, religious, missionaries, and volunteers that they may be suitably rewards in your true kingdom. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

Sixth Day
PATRON OF FAMILIES
Fr. Vijay Martin 

Introduction:
St. Joseph lived, moved, and acted in the loving company of Jesus and Mary. The inspired writer describes his life at Nazareth in only a few words: "And (Jesus) went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them" (Luke, 2:51). Yet these words tell of his high vocation here on earth, and the abundance of graces which filled his soul during those years spent in Nazareth. We pray during this Eucharist that we all may work hard to make our families a place of love, understanding, grace and peace. 

Prayer of the Faithful: 

1. In today's world families have lost fundamental values. We pray today that our families may try their best to get back to the Gospel values. Your Response: Lord make our families witness to Gospel values.

2. That we Christians may value life, we may respect life, and we pray for all those who abort their babies for selfish motives. Response

3. We pray also for all those who work abroad, who earn their daily bread through hard work, that they may enjoy peace, joy and serenity. Response.

4. We recommend today all the orphan children, who suffer without any support and love, so that the Lord may provide them with what they need. Response.

5. We also pray for unwed mothers, that they may realize the value of life and also have patience to continue respecting life. Response.

Let Us Pray:
God our Father, we present all these prayers. Make our families place of love and forgiveness. Help us through the example of St. Joseph. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

Seventh Day
PATRON OF WORKERS
Fr. Lancy Mendonca

Introduction:
Saint Joseph devoted his time at Nazareth to the work of a carpenter. It was the Will of God that he and his foster-Son should spend their  days together in manual labor. What a beautiful example he set for the working classes! Let us pray that St. Joseph may fill us with the enthusiasm to work for God's Glory.

Prayer of the Faithful

1. Lord we pray for all the laborers who work hard and earn their living, so that they may have a decent living and may get what they deserve for their work. Lord Hear Our Prayer

2. We pray for all the youth who work in call centres, that they may be protected from the dangers of the world, like drugs, alcohol, smoking and bad company. Help them Lord through the intercession of St. Joseph to keep themselves away from all these dangers. Lord Hear Our Prayer

3. We pray for all the domestic workers that they may patiently work for their daily bread and we also pray for all those who employ them to be kind towards them in payment and in dealings. Lord Hear Our Prayers

4. We also remember to pray for all those who are engaged in public works, like constructing buildings, roads, and infrastructures for our country that they may work sincerely for the good of our nation. Lord hear Our prayer.

 

Let us Pray:
God our Father listen to our prayers. Help us to work always for your Glory. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

 

Eighth Day
FRIEND IN SUFFERING
Fr. Victor Fernandes

Introduction:
All the mysteries in the life of St Jospeh were more or less mysteries of suffering. Poverty pressed upon him, and the cross of labor followed him everywhere. He was not spared of domestic crosses, owing to  misunderstandings and was helped in a dream. Deeply painful must have been the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the disappearance of Jesus at the Paschal feast. We pray today that people may find strength to suffer their crosses through the intercession of St. Joseph

Prayer of the Faithful:
Your Response: Lord Hear Our Prayer

1. We pray for all those who suffer misunderstanding at home and in the place of work. Response

2. For those working in Government offices, that they may continue to bear witness to Gospel values. Response.

3. We pray for husbands and wives who suffer the torture of loneliness, without any support from their partners. Response

4. For all those who suffer terminal illnesses, like cancer, aids and kidney failure, that the Lord may ease their sufferings. Response

5. We remember all those who suffer in war zones in Iraq, Afganistan, Sri Lanka and other part of the world that the Lord inspire the Leaders to put an end to such activities. Respose

 

Let Us Pray:
Lord, hear our prayers, look upon your people and help us in our great need. Grant us the grace to carry our daily crosses to follow your Son Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

 

Ninth Day
PATRON OF A HAPPY DEATH
Fr. Rudolf V. D' Souza

Introduction:
Saint Joseph gave the entire life to the service of Jesus and Mary; at death he enjoyed the consolation of dying in their loving arms. He accepted death in the spirit of loving submission to the Will of God, and this acceptance crowned his hidden life of virtue. He looked into eternity and to his everlasting reward with confidence. We pray today for happy end of our life, so that we may prepare daily for this event of our life. 

Prayer of the Faithful 

If our Savior blessed the shepherds, the Magi, Simeon, John the Baptist, and others, because they greeted His presence with devoted hearts for a brief passing hour, how much more did He bless you who have sanctified yourself for so many years in His company and that of His Mother? If Jesus regards every corporal and spiritual work of mercy, performed in behalf of our fellow men our of love for Him, as done to Himself, and promises heaven as a reward, what must have been the extent of His gratitude to you who in the truest sense of the word have received Him, given Him shelter, clothed, nourished, and consoled Him at the sacrifice of your strength and rest, and even your life, with a love which surpassed the love of all fathers.

God really and personally made Himself your debtor. Our Divine Savior paid that debt of gratitude by granting you many graces in your lifetime, especially the grace of growing in love, which is the best and most perfect of all gifts. Thus at the end of your life your heart became filled with love, the fervor and longing of which your frail body could not resist. Your soul followed the triumphant impulse of your love and winged its flight from earth to bear the prophets and patriarchs in Limbo the glad tidings of the advent of the Redeemer.

Saint Joseph, I thank God for your privilege of being able to die in the arms of Jesus and Mary. As a token of your own gratitude to God, obtain for me the grace of a happy death. Help me to spend each day in preparation for death. May I, too, accept death in the spirit of resignation to God's Holy Will, and die, as you did, in the arms of Jesus, strengthened by Holy Viaticum, and in the arms of Mary, with her rosary in my hand and her name on my lips!

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