Those who have done good deeds to the resurrection of life… (Jn 5:29a)

The Scriptures don’t tell us much about Joseph, and after the incident of losing – and then finding – Jesus in the Temple when he was 12 or 13, we read nothing more about Joseph. However, because Jesus entrusts Mary to one of His disciples at His crucifixion, we can make the assumption that Joseph died before Jesus fulfilled His mission on earth. For generations, Catholics have painted a picture of Joseph breathing his last with Mary and Jesus by his side to comfort him. A fifth century apocryphal book, entitled The History of Joseph the Carpenter, tells that Joseph was afraid of dying and saddened that he hadn’t accomplished more in his life. Mary and Jesus comforted him and promised protection and life to everyone who did good in the name of Joseph. With those assurances, Joseph was able to die in peace and contentment – a happy death. By the 17th century, many Catholic groups had developed a special devotion to St. Joseph for those desiring a happy death. (Faith Magazine)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my death. Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model through life that I may die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now implore: (Mention your request or Name of your Dad) Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

Eternal God, originator of Fatherhood, I offer to you the blessed office of Father. May the men who occupy this dignified place protect and care for their children and wives with valiant honesty, heroic chastity, noble humility, and stern sobriety. Ignite a fire in the hearts of men, O God, so that they may respond to the Divine call to fatherhood, both natural and spiritual, and model themselves after the holy example of Blessed Joseph, Father of the Universal Church. Through his intercession, may fathers be strengthened to flee from sin, subdue their flesh, wrestle with the powers of corruption, banish the darkness, and obtain victory over hell and its agents. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, sanctifier of all men, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. (EWTN)

❦  St. Joseph Patron of the Dying, Pray for us!

❦  Hail Mary full of grace…

❦  Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

❦. May the souls of all the faithful departed, specially our beloved Dad who passed away, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thank you Daddy, you are a real trooper in many different ways, we love you!

Be one and be holy in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX