Saint Joseph - Principal Protector of the Carmelite Order

The Catholic Church keeps the 19 March as the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary and Foster Father of Jesus Christ each year. The scriptures refers to St Joseph being upright and honourable. Certainly his sensitivity towards Mary and his care for both Mary and Jesus shows him as a person of action and care.

The Carmelite Order has had a particular devotion to St. Joseph for many centuries, venerating him with the title "Principal Protector of the Carmelite Order". Since Joseph cared for Mary and Christ in a particular way, we believe that he also cares for the Carmelite Order which is devoted to Mary and Christ. St Teresa of Avila had great devotion to St Joseph and saw him as a protector of her new foundations. 

In our prayers, we can turn to St Joseph and pray that he will care for us in difficult times when loving protection is needed. I often pray at the statue of St Joseph here at the Shrine (see photo below) when I pray for his protection.

We have a number of prayer cards to Saint Joseph that can be purchased from our Gift Shop.

Our novena to Saint Joseph starts today and can be viewed here, or below.

God our Father,
creator and ruler of the universe,
in every age you call humanity
to develop and use our gifts
for the good of others.

With Saint Joseph as our example and guide,
help us to do the work you have asked
and come to the life you have promised.

We ask this through
our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Saint Joseph, National Shrine of Saint Jude