At the very outset of Christ’s work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, “all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness.” The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterized this holy Family make it the model for all Christian families.
INVOCATION
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph most kind, bless us now and in death’s agony.
Indulgence of 300 days.
FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE HOLY FAMILY
Grant unto us, Lord Jesus, ever to follow the example of Your Holy Family, that in the hour of our death Your glorious Virgin Mother together with blessed Joseph may come to meet us and we may be worthily received by You into everlasting dwellings: who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
ROMAN MISSAL
Indulgence of 3 years; plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, for the devout repetition of this prayer every day for a month.
CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY
O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Your teaching and example, did will to pass the greater part of Your life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home of Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to You this day. Defend us, guard us and establish among us Your holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Your family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.
Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.
O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and you, for all eternity.
Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, three times.
Indulgence of 500 days; plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, if this prayer is repeated with devotion every day for a month.
IN HONOR OF THE HOLY FAMILY
O God, heavenly Father, it was part of Thine eternal decree that Thine only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, should form a holy family with Mary, His blessed mother, and His foster father, Saint Joseph. In Nazareth home life was sanctified, and a perfect example was given to every Christian family. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be united with them one day in their heavenly glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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From The Prayer Book-Beautiful and Helpful Prayers from Ancient and Modern Sources edited by Reverend John P O’Connell, MA, STD and Jex Martin, MA The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago Illinois in 1959. 51-52. © 1954 Imprimatur Samuel Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop of Chicago May 10 1954. Print.