Ite ad Joseph

In a short while, the Universal Church will recognize the great Solemnity of St. Joseph, the foster-father of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The greatest and highest saint after the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph enjoyed particular graces during his earthly life as a result of his especial relationship to Jesus. He is recognized as the Great Protector of the Church, since he was the Head of the Holy Family.

Canada has long considered St. Joseph as one of her great patrons. As with the Universal Church, he is called to protect Canada. Therefore, as Canadians, it is a laudable practice to give homage to his patronage by devoutly reciting the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph in the nine days preceding March 19th. Pius VIII, on December 9th 1819, granted an indulgence of 300 days each for the nine days preceding March 19th for the faithful who recite this devotion. 

THE SEVEN DOLOURS AND SEVEN JOYS.

i. St. Joseph, pure spouse of most holy Mary, the trouble and anguish of thy heart were great, when, being in sore perplexity, thou wast minded to put away thy stainless spouse: but this joy was inexpressible when the archangel revealed to thee the high mystery of the Incarnation.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee comfort our souls now and in their last pains with the consolation of a well-spent life, and a holy death like unto thine own, with Jesus and Mary at our side.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

ii. St. Joseph, Blessed Patriarch, chosen to the office of Father of the Word made Man, the pain was keen that thou didst feel when thou didst see the Infant Jesus born in abject poverty; but thy pain was changed into heavenly joy when thou didst hear the harmony of angel-choirs, and behold the glory of that night when Jesus was born.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee obtain for us, that, when the journey of our life is ended, we too may pass to that blessed land where we shall hear the angel-chants, and rejoice in the bright light of heavenly glory.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

iii. St. Joseph, who wast ever most obedient in executing the law of God, thy heart was pierced with pain when the Precious Blood of the Infant Saviour was shed at His Circumcision; but with the Name of Jesus new life and heavenly joy returned to thee.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us, that, being freed in our life from every vice, we too may cheerfully die, with the sweet Name of Jesus in our hearts and on our lips.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

iv. St. Joseph, faithful Saint, who wast admitted to take part in the redemption of man; the prophecy of Simeon foretelling the sufferings of Jesus and Mary caused thee a pang like that of death; but at the same time his prediction of the salvation and glorious resurrection of innumerable souls filled thee with a blessed joy.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, help us with thy prayers to be of the number of those who, by the merits of Jesus and his Virgin Mother, shall be partakers of the resurrection to glory.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

v. St. Joseph, watchful Guardian, friend of the Incarnate Son of God, truly thou didst greatly toil to nurture and to serve the Son of the Most High, especially in the flight thou madest with Him unto Egypt; yet didst thou rejoice to have God Himself always with thee, and to see the overthrow of the idols of Egypt.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us grace to keep far out of the reach of the enemy of our souls, by quitting all dangerous occasions, that so no idol of earthly affection may any longer occupy a place in our hearts, but that, being entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live and die for them alone.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

vi. St. Joseph, angel on earth, who didst so wonder to see the King of heaven obedient to thy bidding, the consolation thou hadst at His return was disturbed by the fear of Archelaus, but nevertheless, being reassured by the angel, thou didst go back and dwell happily at Nazareth, in the company of Jesus and of Mary.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us, that, having our hearts freed from idle fears, we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, dwelling safely with Jesus and Mary, and dying at last between them.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

vii. St. Joseph, example of all holy living, when, though without blame, thou didst lose Jesus, the Holy Child, thou didst search for Him for three long days in great sorrow, until with joy unspeakable thou didst find him, who was as thy life to thee, amidst the doctors in this Temple.
By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee with our whole heart so to interpose always in our behalf, that we may never lose Jesus by mortal sin; and if (which God avert) we are at any time so wretched as to do so, that we pray thee to aid us to seek Him with such ceaseless sorrow until we find Him, particularly in the hour of our death, that we may pass from this life to enjoy Him for ever in heaven, there to sing with thee His divine mercies without end.
Pater, Ave, and Gloria.

Ant. Ipse Jesus erat incipiens quasi annorum triginta, ut putabatur filius Joseph.

V. Ora pro nobis, sancte Joseph.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus.
Deus, qui ineffabili providentia beatum Joseph sanctissimae Genitricis tuae sponsum eligere dignatus es; praesta quaesumus, ut quem protectorem veneramur in terris, intercessorem habere mereamur in coelis. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. R. Amen.

Ant. Jesus Himself was about thirty years old, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph.

V. Pray for us, holy Joseph.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O God, who in Thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy protector. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

More information can be found on the Online Raccolta for St. Joseph: Raccolta - St. Joseph (liturgialatina.org).