O Glorious Saint Joseph

O Joseph, heavenly hosts thy worthiness proclaim,

And Christendom conspires to celebrate thy fame,

Thou who in purest bonds wert to the Virgin bound;

  How glorious is thy name renowned.

Thou, when thou didst behold thy Spouse about to bear,

Wert sore oppressed with doubt, wert filled with wondering care;

At length the Angel’s word thine anxious heart relieved:

  ‘She by the Spirit hath conceived.’

Thou with thy new-born Lord didst seek far Egypt’s land,

As wandering pilgrims, ye fled o’er the desert sand;

The Lord, when lost, by thee is in the temple found,

  While tears are shed and joys abound.

Not till death’s hour is past do other men obtain

The meed of holiness, and glorious rest attain;

Thou, like to Angels made, in life completely blest,

  Dost clasp thy God unto thy breast.

O Holy Trinity, thy suppliant servants spare;

Grant us to rise to heaven, for Joseph’s sake and prayer,

And so our grateful hearts to thee shall ever raise

  Exulting canticles of praise.