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St. Alphonsus Liguori on St. Joseph,
Patron of a Happy Death
"Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion
to St. Joseph, that he may obtain for us a happy death. All Christians
regard him as the advocate of the dying who had honored him during
their life, and they do so for three reasons:
"First, because Jesus Christ loved him not only as a friend,
but as a father, and on this account his mediation is far more
efficacious than that of any other Saint.
"Second, because St. Joseph has obtained special power against
the evil spirits, who tempt us with redoubled vigor at the hour
of death.
"Third, the assistance given St. Joseph at his death by
Jesus and Mary obtained for him the right to secure a holy and
peaceful death for his servants. Hence, if they invoke him at
the hour of death he will not only help them, but he will also
obtain for them the assistance of Jesus and Mary."
Prayer to St. Joseph for a Happy Death
O Glorious St. Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special
patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase
in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God. Remove
far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my death may
not come upon me unawares, but that I may have time to confess
my sins sacramentally and to bewail them with a most perfect understanding
and a most sincere and perfect contrition, in order that I may
breathe forth my soul into the hands of Jesus and Mary. Amen
Prayer Happy Death
Dear St. Joseph, accept the offering I make to you. Be my father,
protector, and guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me purity
of heart and a love for the spiritual life. After your example,
let all my actions be directed to the greater glory of God, in
union with the Divine Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of
Mary, and your own paternal heart. Finally, pray for me that I
may share in the peace and joy of your holy death. Amen.
Prayer for a Heavenly Crown
O ST. JOSEPH, virgin father of Jesus and most pure spouse of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, pray every day for us to the same Jesus,
the Son of God, that being defended by the power of His grace
and striving dutifully in life, we may be crowned by Him at the
hour of death. Amen.
An Ancient Prayer to Saint Joseph for a Happy Death
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt
before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and
desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession
and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son,
Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy
heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep
in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart.
Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him
to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.
St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me.
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