Saints & Angels
Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker
This prayer is traditionally attributed to Pope Saint Pius X and presents Saint Joseph as the model of those who labor. It asks for a conscientious spirit, purity of intention, patience in difficulty, and freedom from pride in success. Catholics pray it before beginning work, during times of professional strain, or in preparation for the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1. Its closing dedication places every task under Jesus, through Mary, and after Joseph’s example. The prayer helps unite ordinary labor with penance, gratitude, duty, and readiness to give an account to God.
O Glorious St. Joseph, model of all those who are devoted to labor, obtain for me the grace to work in the spirit of penance for the expiation of my many sins; to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my natural inclinations; to work with thankfulness and joy, considering it an honor to employ and develop by means of labor the gifts received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation, and patience, never shrinking from weariness and trials; to work above all with purity of intention and detachment from self, keeping unceasingly before my eyes death and the account that I must give of time lost, talents unused, good omitted, and vain complacency in success, so fatal to the work of God.
All for Jesus, all through Mary, all after thine example, O Patriarch, St. Joseph. Such shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen.
When to pray it: Pray this before beginning work, during difficulties in one’s occupation, or for the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1.
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