At the end of his catechesis on November 17, 2021, Pope Francis suggested a “homemade” prayer to Saint Joseph.

This past Wednesday, the Holy Father began a new series of catecheses, focusing his meditation on the figure of Saint Joseph, given that we are in the Special Year dedicated to him, on the 150^th anniversary of his proclamation as Patron of the universal Church. Hence, the Pontiff introduced his address, making reference to the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, which brings together reflections on the Saint: “Never before as today, in this time marked by a global crisis with different components, can he be of support, consolation, and guidance to us. So I have decided to dedicate a series of catecheses to him, which I hope will help us to let ourselves be illumined by his example and witness,” he said.

“I would like to send a message today to all the men and women who live in the most forgotten geographic peripheries of the world, or who live in situations of existential marginalization. May they find in Saint Joseph a witness and protector to look to. We can address him with this prayer, a ‘homemade’ prayer, but which comes from the heart,” he said, before suggesting the following prayer.

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Prayer to Saint Joseph

 Saint Joseph,

you who have always trusted God,

and have taken your decisions

guided by His providence,

Teach us not to count so much on our projects,

but on His plan of love.

You who come from the peripheries,

help us to convert our gaze

and to prefer what the world rejects and puts on the margins.

Comfort those that feel alone

and support those that commit themselves in silence

to defend human life and dignity. Amen.

Translation by Virginia M. Forrester