Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus, is a very powerful protector and intercessor.
Many saints and those devoted to Saint Joseph attest to the great power of his intercession in their lives.
Saint Teresa of Avila, a mystic and Doctor of the Church, held a great devotion to Saint Joseph and often attested to his powerful intercession and protection.
“Of all the people I have known with a true devotion and particular veneration for Saint Joseph, not one has failed to advance in virtue; he helps those who turn to him to make real progress,” Saint Teresa said. “For several years now, I believe, I have always made some request to him on his feast day, and it was always been granted; and when my request is not quite what it ought to be, he puts it right for my greater benefit.”
There are many powerful prayers to Saint Joseph. One particular prayer has been passed down over the centuries as a means of protection from enemies, sudden death, drowning, poison, and more.
According to the Pieta prayer book, the protection prayer of Saint Joseph “was found in the 50th year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Tradition says that “in 1505, it was sent from the pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death or be drowned, nor shall poison take effect on them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy or be burned in any fire or be overpowered in battle. It has seldom been known to fail.”
It is also traditionally prayed as a nine-day novena.
The prayer received an imprimatur from Bishop Hugh C. Boyle of the Diocese of Pittsburgh in 1950.
Prayer to Saint Joseph for Protection
Oh Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh Saint Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
Saint Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen.