There are five primary graces attached to the wearing of the the grace of keeping ourselves in the safety
the grace of keeping ourselves in the safety from
THE MIRACULOUS HISTORY OF THE CORD
This beautiful devotion began almost 400 years ago in the
small town of Antwerp, Belgium. An Augustinian nun named
Sr. Elizabeth was suffering from a mysterious and painful
illness; doctors admitted that it would most likely lead to her
death. Having a special devotion to St. Joseph, she asked that
a cord be blessed in his honor. She wrapped this cord around
her waist. A few days later, her pain disappeared while she
was praying for St. Joseph’s intercession. Multiple doctors—
including a Protestant doctor—accessed her case and
proclaimed her cure to be miraculous.
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O
Almost 200 years later, the miracle was publicized— Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)
particularly in Verona, Italy—and in March of 1842, this PRAYERS IN HONOR OF THE SEVEN SORROWS and
devotional cord was adopted by a hospital in Verona and
distributed to its patients. On September 19, 1859, the
devotion of St. Joseph’s cord was officially adopted; a
blessing formula created; indulgences added by Pope Pius IX;
and widespread private use permitted.
The White Cord of St Joseph is piously used not only as a
remedy against physical ailments, but as a support in living
the virtues of chastity and purity of heart.
We need to be reminded of the importance of chastity,
especially now, when sexual decadence is all around us.
Graces Associated with the Cord
cord and the pious recitation of the corresponding prayers:
1. St. Joseph's special protection
2. Purity of soul
3. The grace of chastity
4. Final perseverance
5. Particular assistance at the hour of death
PRAYERS TO BE PRAYED TOGETHER WITH THE
CORD OF ST. JOSEPH
Prayer for Purity
O Guardian of Virgins and Holy Father St. Joseph, into whose
faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence itself,
and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these
dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that being preserved from all
uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste
body ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of
my life. Amen.
An Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection
(Note: This prayer was found in the 50th year of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometime during the 16th century, it was
sent by the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into
battle. It is said that whoever shall read this prayer or take it
with them, 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 shall be burned in any fire or shall be
overpowered in battle.)
O 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. O Saint Joseph, 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. O
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. Amen.
JOYS OF ST. JOSEPH
1) The doubt of St. Joseph (Matt. 1:19 ) . The
message of the Angel (Matt 1:20)
O chaste spouse of Mary most holy, glorious St.
Joseph, great was the trouble and anguish of your
heart when you were indeed to put away privately
your inviolate spouse, yet your joy was
unspeakable when the surpassing mystery of the
incarnation was made known to you by the angel.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, we beseech
you to comfort our souls, both now and in the
sorrows of our final hour, with the joy of a good
life and a holy
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.
2) The poverty of Jesus birth (Luke 2:7) . The
birth of the Saviour (Luke 2:7)
O most blessed patriarch glorious St. Joseph, who
was chosen to be the foster father of the Word
made flesh, your sorrow at seeing the Child Jesus
born in such poverty was suddenly changed into
heavenly exultation when you heard the angelic
hymn and beheld the glories of that resplendent
night.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, we implore
you to obtain for us the grace to pass over from
life’s pathway to hear the angelic songs of praise,
and to rejoice in the shining splendor of celestial
glory.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.
3) The Circumcision (Luke 2:21) . The Holy Name
of Jesus (Matt 1:25)
O glorious St. Joseph, you faithfully obeyed the
law of God. Your hear was pierced at the sight of
the precious blood that was shed by the Infant
Savior during His circumcision, but the name of
Jesus gave you new life and filled you with quiet
joy.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, obtain for us
the grace to be freed from all sin during life, and to
die rejoicing, with the holy name of Jesus in our
hearts and on our lips.
Our Father, Hail Mary Glory.
4) The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2: 34) . The
effects of the Redemption (Luke 2:34)
O most faithful saint, glorious St. Joseph, who
shared the mysteries of our redemption, the
prophecy of Simeon touching the sufferings of
Jesus and Mary caused you to shudder with moral
dread, but at the same time filled you with a
blessed joy for the salvation and glorious
resurrection which, he foretold, would be attained
by countless souls.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, obtain for us
that we may be of the number of those who,
through the merits of Jesus and the intercession of
Mary, the Virgin Mother, are predestined to a
glorious resurrection.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.
5) The flight into Egypt (Matt 2:14). The
overthrow of the idols of Egypt (Is. 9:1)
O most watchful guardian of the Incarnate Son of
God, glorious St. Joseph, what toil was yours in
supporting and waiting upon the Son of the Most
High God, especially in the flight to Egypt! Yet at
the same time, how you rejoiced to have near you
always the very God Himself, and to see the idols
of the Egyptians fall prostrate to the ground before
Him.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, obtain for us
the infernally tyrant, especially by flight from
dangerous occasions; may every idol of earthly
affection fall from our hearts; may we be wholly
employed in serving Jesus and Mary, and for them
alone may we live and happily die.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.
6) The return from Egypt (Matt 2:22) . Life with
Jesus and Mary at Nazareth (Luke 2:39)
O glorious Saint Joseph, and angel on earth, you
marveled to see the King of heaven obedient to
your commands, but your consolation in bringing
Jesus out of the land of Egypt was troubled by the
fear of Archelaus; nevertheless, being assured by
the angel, you lived in gladness at Nazareth with
Jesus and Mary.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, obtain for us
that our hearts may be delivered from harmful
fears, so that we may rejoice in peace of
conscience, and may live in safety with Jesus and
Mary, and like unto you, may die in their company.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.
7) The loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:45). The
Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke
2:46)
O glorious St. Joseph, pattern of all holiness, when
you lost the Child Jesus, through no fault of yours,
you sought Him sorrowing for the space of three
days until with great joy you found Him again
midst of the doctors.
By this your sorrow and this your joy, we
supplicate you with our hearts upon our lips, to
keep us from ever having the misfortune to lose
Jesus through mortal sin; but if this supreme
misfortune should befall us, grant that we may
seek Him with unceasing sorrow until we find Him
again, ready to show us His mercy, especially at
the hour of death, so that we may pass over to
enjoy His presence in heaven, and there, in
company with you, may we sing the praises of His
divine mercy forever.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory.
Antiphon. And Jesus himself, when he began his
work, was about thirty years of age, being – as was
supposed – the son of Joseph.
V. Pray for us, O holy Joseph.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of
Christ.
Let us Pray.
O God, who in Your ineffable Providence chose blessed
Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother; grant we
beseech You that we may desire to have him as our intercessor
in heaven, whom we venerate on earth as your protector. You
who live and reign world without end. Amen.
THE LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH
Lord, have mercy.  All: May He also be with you. O God of mercy, God of goodness, who are pleased with all
Christ, have mercy.  good things, and without whom no good work is begun, no
Lord, have mercy.  Let us pray. good work is finished; kindly hear our prayers, and defend
Christ, hear us.  Lord Jesus Christ, who inculcated the counsel and love of your faithful, who are to wear this blessed cincture(s) in honor
Christ, graciously hear us.  virginity, and gave the precept of chastity, we appeal to your of St. Joseph and under his protection, from the pit-falls of
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.  kindness, asking that you bless + and hallow + this cincture this world and all its lusts. Help them to persist in their holy
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.  (s) as a token of purity. Let all who gird themselves with it as resolution and to obtain pardon of their sins, and thus merit to
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.  a safeguard of chastity be enabled, by the prayers of St. be numbered among your elect; through Christ our Lord.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.  Joseph, spouse of your holy Mother, to practice that All: Amen.
Holy Mary, pray for us (after each line)  continence which is so pleasing to you, and to live in
Saint Joseph,  obedience to your commandments. May they also obtain BLESSING OF ST. JOSEPH’S MEDAL
Renowned offspring of David,  pardon of their sins, health in mind and body, and finally (For Priest’s Use)
Light of Patriarchs,  attain everlasting life. We ask this of you who live and reign Heavenly Father, through Your Son Jesus Christ, Our Lord, in
Spouse of the Mother of God,  with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, obedience to Him, we embrace the ministry He has entrusted
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,  forever and ever. to His Bride, the Chruch. Grant now, in Your mercy, we
Foster-father of the Son of God,  All: Amen. pray, a very special and powerful blessing on this St. Joseph
Diligent protector of Christ,  medal’s that we will henceforth use in the ministry of healing,
Head of the Holy Family,  Let us pray. spiritual liberation and exorcism. Deign that through the
Joseph most just,  Almighty everlasting God, grant, we pray, that those who blessing You bestow, may it be a very potent and terrible
Joseph most chaste,  revere the inviolate virginity of the most pure Virgin Mary weapon against the attacks of the evil one and his legios. May
Joseph most prudent,  and of Joseph, her spouse, may by their prayers be pure in this St. Joseph’s medal/s mightily restrain the devil and his
Joseph most strong,  mind and body; through Christ our Lord. demons and unclean spirits, rendering them powerless, unable
Joseph most obedient,  All: Amen. to harm the afflicted, your priests, and people. And to
Joseph most faithful,  whomever this St. Joseph medal is used in the exercise of the
Mirror of patience,  Let us pray. ministry or wherever it is kept, may unclean and diabolic
Lover of poverty,  Almighty everlasting God, who committed the boy Jesus and spirits flee in fear, never daring to harm nor approach.
Model of artisans,  the most pure Mary, ever a Virgin, to the care of the chaste In the exercise of the ministry of healing, spiritual liberation
Glory of home life,  man Joseph, we humbly entreat you that those who are girded and exorcism, may Jesus Christ, Your Son be glorified
Guardian of virgins,  with this cincture in honor of St. Joseph and under his forever. This, we humbly ask through the same Jesus Christ,
Pillar of families,  patronage may, by your help and his prayers, persevere in Your Son, our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You in the
Solace of the wretched, Hope of the sick,  holy chastity for all time; through Christ our Lord. unity of the Holy Spirit, God frever and ever. Amen.
Patron of the dying,  All: Amen.
Terror of demons,  This St. Joseph medal/s is + blessed and made + holy by the
Protector of Holy Church,  Let us pray. sprinkling of holy water. And may this blessing remain for all
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,  God, the lover and restorer of innocence, we pray that your time. Amen.
Spare us, O Lord.  faithful who are to wear this cincture (s) may, by the prayers
In the name of the + Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,  of St. Joseph, spouse of your holy Mother, have their loins
Spirit. Amen.
Graciously hear us, O Lord.  girded and hold burning lamps in their hands, and thus be
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,  likened to men who wait for their Lord when He shall return Grant this through Christ Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.
Have mercy on us.  for a wedding, that when He comes and knocks they may
V. He made him the lord of His house:  open to Him, and be found worthy of being taken into
R. And ruler of all His substance.  everlasting joys; through you who live and reign forever and
ever.
Let us pray.  All: Amen.
O God, who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe
to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Thine own most Then the priest puts incense into the censer, sprinkles the
holy Mother: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to cincture with holy water, saying:
have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom we reverence as
our defender on earth: who livest and reignest world without Sprinkle me with hyssop, Lord, and I shall be clean of sin.
end. Amen. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
After this he incenses the cincture (s), and then continues:
BLESSING OF A CINCTURE
(For Priest’s Use) P: Save your servants.
(From the Roman Ritual) All: Who trust in you, my God.
(Approved by the Congregation of Sacred Rites, Sept. 19, P: Lord, send them aid from your holy place.
1859) All: And watch over them from Sion.
P: Lord, heed my prayer.
The priest, vested in surplice and white stole, says: All: And let my cry be heard by you.
P: The Lord be with you.
P: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: May He also be with you.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: The Lord be with you. Let us pray.