Novena
Novena in Honour of Saint Joseph
Nine-day novena to Saint Joseph · begins March 10, concluding March 18, the eve of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph
The traditional nine-day novena to St. Joseph, prayed from March 10 to March 18 in preparation for his solemnity, or on nine consecutive Wednesdays. The same received prayers are said on each of the nine days; what changes is the day's subject for meditation.
Background
This is the received form of the St. Joseph novena as printed in devotional manuals: a preparatory prayer to the Holy Spirit, the two daily prayers to St. Joseph given below, and a different subject for meditation on each of the nine days. Blessed Pius IX declared St. Joseph patron of the universal Church in 1870; Leo XIII wrote Quamquam Pluries in 1889; Pope Francis added his name to all the Eucharistic Prayers in 2013 and proclaimed a Year of St. Joseph with the apostolic letter Patris Corde in 2020. Because the daily prayer does not change, the novena is easily prayed by heart.
Days
Intention
the fatherly protection of Saint Joseph over families, work, and a happy death
Usually begun
March 10, concluding March 18, the eve of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph
Structure
nine_days
Duration
9 days