Prayer to St. Joseph for a Happy Death
Updated: 4 hours ago
The Gospels do not record St. Joseph's death, but tradition holds that he died before Jesus began His public ministry, with Jesus and Mary at his side. No death could be more peaceful, and so the Church honors St. Joseph as patron of a happy, or holy, death. A "happy death" does not mean one without suffering; it means dying in God's grace, prepared by the sacraments and surrounded by prayer.
This prayer asks St. Joseph to come with Jesus and Mary to help us at the hour of death. Pray it daily, for yourself and for the dying, especially those who have no one to pray for them. It is fitting on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, on Wednesdays, which are traditionally dedicated to him, and at the bedside of the sick.
The Prayer
O Blessed Joseph, who didst yield thy last breath in the fond embrace of Jesus and Mary, when the seal of death shall close my life, come with Jesus and Mary to aid me. Obtain for me this solace for that hour: to die with their holy arms around me. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul. Amen.
Traditional prayer to St. Joseph for a happy death; classic manuals, public domain.
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