The Seven Sundays devotion fosters spiritual preparation for the feast of Saint Joseph, inviting us to pray for the universal Church.

On the second Sunday, we contemplate the pain of Saint Joseph at seeing Jesus born in the extreme poverty of a manger in Bethlehem, without room at the inn, during the census ordered by Caesar Augustus (Lk 2:7).

Their joy lies in witnessing the birth of the Savior, announced by angels to the shepherds, and in seeing the Magi worship him as God (Lk 2:10-11; Mt 2:11).

Saint Joseph offered his youth and total love to God in the midst of this humility, teaching us to find joy in simplicity and service.

This meditation invites us to purify our hearts so that they may be a living manger for Jesus.

Prayer

O most blessed Patriarch, glorious Saint Joseph, who were chosen to be the foster father of the incarnate Word! The pain you felt seeing the Child God born in such poverty was transformed into heavenly joy upon hearing the angelic harmony and beholding the glories of that resplendent night.

For this pain and this joy, we beseech you to obtain for us the grace to pass through this world in such a way that we may deserve to hear the praises of the angels and enjoy the splendors of eternal glory.

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

• First Sunday: The sorrow of St. Joseph’s doubts and the joy of the Angel’s message
• Second Sunday: The sorrow of poverty at Jesus’ birth and the joy of the Savior’s birth
• Third Sunday: The sorrow of the circumcision and the joy of Jesus’ name
• Fourth Sunday: The sorrow of Simeon’s prophecy and the joy of the effects of redemption
• Fifth Sunday: The sorrow of the flight to Egypt and the joy of the overthrow of the idols
• Sixth Sunday: The sorrow of the return from Egypt and the joy of life in Nazareth
• Seventh Sunday: The sorrow of Jesus’ loss in the temple and the joy of his finding