When, with their fond arms around thee,
Passed thy gentle soul away.
Oh! when death shall come to take me,
All its terrors I'll defy,
If, with Jesus and with Mary,
Thou, dear Joseph, wilt be nigh.
Ant. In peace in the self -same I will sleep, and I will rest, for Thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope. (Psalm iv. 9.)
V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
MAY we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain, may through his intercession be granted to us by Thee, who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer,
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
R. Amen.
COMMENDATION.
THUS, O glorious saint, my homage I, thy grateful client, pay.
Hear my prayer and smile upon me,
Guide and guard me on my way.
May I, 'neath thy kind protection,
Safely reach my journey's close,
And with thee in heaven's bright palace
Through eternity repose!
ACT OF CONSECRATION AND CHOICE OF ST. JOSEPH AS A PATRON.
O BLESSED Joseph, faithful guardian of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, protector of thy chaste spouse, the virgin Mother of God, I choose thee this day to be my special patron and advocate, and I firmly resolve to honor thee all the days of my life. Therefore I humbly beseech thee to receive me as thy client, to instruct me in every doubt, to comfort me
