Great Saint Joseph! Son of David, 

Foster father of our Lord, 

Spouse of Mary ever Virgin, 

Keeping o'er them watch and ward! 

In the stable thou didst guard them 

With a father's loving care; 

Thou by God's command didst save them 

From the cruel Herod's snare. 

Three long days in grief and anguish,

With His Mother sweet and mild, 

Mary Virgin, didst thou wander 

Seeking the beloved Child. 

In the temple thou didst find Him: 

Oh! What joy then filled thy heart! 

In thy sorrows, in thy gladness 

Grant us, Joseph, to have a part. 

Clasped in Jesus' arms and Mary's, 

When death gently came at last, 

Thy pure spirit sweetly sighing 

From its earthly dwelling passed. 

Dear Saint Joseph! By that passing 

May our death be like to thine; 

And with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, 

May our souls forever shine.