A VOTIVE OBLATION TO ST. JOSEPH, TO CHOOSE HIM FOR OUR PATRON.
O HOLY JOSEPH, virgin spouse of the Virgin Mother of God, most glorious advocate of all such as are in danger, or in their last agony, and most faithful protector of all the servants of Mary, your dearest Spouse, I, N., in the presence of Jesus and Mary, do, from this moment, choose you for my powerful patron and advocate, in order that I may obtain the grace of a most happy death. I firmly resolve and purpose never to forsake you, nor to say or do any thing against your honor. Receive me, therefore, for your constant servant, and recommend me to the constant protection of Mary, your dearest Spouse, and to the everlasting mercies of Jesus my Savior. Assist me in all the actions of my life. I now offer them to the greater and everlasting glory of Jesus and Mary, as well as to your own.
THE CHAPLET OF ST. JOSEPH
IN the name of the Father, &c.
V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips.
R. And my tongue shall announce thy praise.
V. Incline unto my aid, O God.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
On the large beads, say the "Glory be to the Father," &c., and the "Our Father;' and on the small beads, "Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, foster-father of Jesus, and spouse of the ever immaculate Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death;" and finish the chaplet by saying, "Pray for us, O holy St Joseph, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ," and the prayer which the holy Church makes use of in her divine office, "Assist us, O Lord, by the intercession," &c., as at the end of the Litany of St. Joseph.
