tion of man, the prophecy of Simeon foretelling the sufferings of Jesus and Mary, caused thee a pang like that of death; but at the same time his prediction of the salvation and glorious resurrection of innumerable souls filled thee with a blessed joy.

By this thy sorrow and thy joy, help us with thy prayers to be of the number of those who, by the merits of Jesus and his Virgin Mother, shall be partakers of the resurrection to glory.

V. St. Joseph, watchful guardian, friend of the Incarnate Son of God, truly thou didst greatly toil to nurture and to serve the son of the most high, especially in the flight thou madest with him into Egypt; yet thou didst rejoice to have God himself always with thee, and to see the overthrow of the idols of Egypt.

By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us grace to keep far out of the reach of the enemy of our souls, by quitting all dangerous occasions, that so no idol of earthly affection may any longer occupy a place in our hearts, but that, being entirely devoted to the service of

Jesus and Mary, we may live and die for them alone.

VI. St. Joseph, angel on earth, who didst so wonder to see the King of heaven obedient to thy bidding, the consolation thou hadst at his return was disturbed by the fear of Archelaus, but nevertheless, being reassured by the angel, thou didst go back and dwell happily at Nazareth, in the company of Jesus and of Mary.

By this thy sorrow and thy joy, obtain for us that, having our hearts free from idle fears, we may enjoy the peace of a tranquil conscience, dwelling safely with Jesus and Mary, and dying at last between them.

Pater. Ave. Gloria.

VII. St. Joseph, example of all holy living, when, though without blame, thou didst lose Jesus the Holy Child, thou didst search for him for three long days in great sorrow, until with joy unspeakable thou didst find him, who was as thy life to thee, amidst the doctors in the temple.

By this thy sorrow and thy joy, we pray thee with our whole heart, so to interpose always on our behalf, that we

may never lose Jesus by mortal sin; and if, which God avert, we are at any time so wretched as to do so, then we pray thee to aid us to seek him with such ceaseless sorrow until we find him, particularly in the hour of our death, that we may pass from this life to enjoy him for ever in heaven, there to sing with thee his divine mercies without end.

Pater. Ave. Gloria.

Ant. Jesus himself was about thirty years old, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph.

V. Pray for us, O holy Joseph.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

O God, who in thy ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose Blessed Joseph to be the husband of thy most holy Mother, grant, we beseech thee, that we may have him for an intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our Holy Protector. Who livest and reignest, world without end. Amen.

PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH.

(100 days.)

O glorious St. Joseph, father and pro

tector of virgins, faithful guide, to whom God intrusted Jesus most Innocent, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, by this twofold deposit to thee so dear; make it thy care that I, preserved from every defilement, pure in heart and chaste, may serve with constancy Jesus and Mary, in perfect chastity. Amen.

EJACULATIONS.

(300 days.)

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I offer you my heart and my soul.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, assist me in my last agony.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, may I die in peace and in your blessed company.

OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. HYMNS TO THE HOLY GHOST. (100 days.)

Accende lumen sensi- O! guide our minds with

Per te sciamus da Pa- Through thee may we