St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste husband of the Virgin Mary, you passed your life in loving fulfillment of duty. You were the head of the holy family of Nazareth and supported them with the work of your hands. Kindly protect all men blessed to be fathers. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes. They look to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too knew trial, labor and weariness. But amid the worries of material life your soul was full of deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with God's Son entrusted to you and with Blessed Mary, his beloved Mother. Assure those you protect that they do not labor alone. Teach them to find Jesus near them and to watch over him faithfully as you have done. May they be the husbands and fathers they should be as you were yourself. Help them to love, respect and care for their wives and their children. Pray for those fathers who have died that their souls may be rewarded for their goodness. Help those fathers who have strayed, abandoned, or abused their families so they may repent and better serve their loved ones. Bless all our dads with a happy death so that they may leave this world to join Jesus, Mary and you, Good Saint Joseph, in heaven. AMEN
