← [[02-24-blessed-josepha-naval|Feb 24, Bl Josepha Naval]] | [[maps/ocds-propers|Table of Contents]] | [[04-17-blessed-baptist-spagnoli|Apr 17, Bl Baptist Spagnoli]] → # March 19, Saint Joseph > **March 19** > **SAINT JOSEPH** — [[joseph-saint]] > **Patron of Our Order, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary** > **Solemnity** **March 19** **SAINT JOSEPH** Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Protector of our Order Solemnity When March 19 falls on a Sunday of Lent, the solemnity is transferred to the following day. When the feast falls during Holy Week or the Octave of Easter, it is transferred to the Monday after the Octave of Easter. The feast of Saint Joseph, celebrated by the entire Church, has special significance for Carmelites, and, in particular, for the Order of Discalced Carmelites. Our Holy Mother Saint Teresa found in Saint Joseph an unparal-leled protector, intercessor and friend. ## **Evening Prayer I** HYMN Exult, ye circling spheres, and vent your joy! Thou ponderous globe, give echo to the strain, While we, O Joseph, heart and voice employ As suppliants thy patronage to gain Our Mother, Saint Teresa, turned to thee, As her protecting guide, her strong defense, Thy vested office gave her surety Of aid in trial from Omnipotence. When oft by racking torture crucified, She lay a victim in the grasp of pain, The soothing aid of healer’s art denied, Hopeless through human skill her health to gain, When scarce upheld upon her trembling knees, Sick unto death with pain beyond compare, Thy healing hand conferred the longed-for ease, In thee she found fulfillment of her prayer. And not alone her life thou didst renew, But solving hidden questions of the mind, Thy light, as learned doctor, clear and true, Illumed the mystic secrets it divined. O glorious Trinity! we humbly pray, Through Joseph’s merits we, with strength endued, May journey safe upon our heavenward way, To sing at length eternal gratitude. 10.10.10.10. _Plaudant aetheri sidera verticis_ **Office of Readings** HYMN Joseph, the praise and glory of the heavens, Sure pledge of life, and safety of the wide world, As in our joy we sing to thee, in kindness, List’n to our praises. Thou by the world's Creator wert appointed Spouse of the Virgin: thee he willed to honor Naming thee father of the Word and guardian Of our salvation. When the Redeemer, whom the Prophets' chorus Long had predicted, lay within the manger, Glad was thy spirit, whilst in adoration Lowly thou kneeledst. God, King of kings, and Governor of the ages, He at whose word the powers of hell do tremble, He whom the adoring heavens ever worship Called thee protector. Praise to the Triune Godhead everlasting, Who with such honor mightily hath blessed thee; O may he grant us at thy blest petition Joys everlasting. Amen. ## **Morning Prayer** HYMN He, whom the faithful joyously do honor, Singing his triumphs with devout affection, Won on his feast-day, in eternal glory, Life everlasting. How highly favored! how exceeding blissful! For, when the moment of his death was nearing, Jesus and Mary, at his side were standing, To cheer him onward. Death was but conquest over earthly bondage, Sweet, peaceful passing to the heavenly mansions, Where light eternal now doth ever crown him, In bliss and gladness. There, as he reigneth, earnestly beseech we, That he may offer mighty intercession, Pleading that pardon and the peace of heaven May be our portion. One in Three Persons, Godhead great and glorious Worship we give thee, hymns of praise and blessing, Thou who dost honor with a crown eternal All thy true servants. Amen. ## **Evening Prayer II** HYMN O Joseph, spouse so pure of that immortal bride Whose glory shines secure, midst virgins glorified: How now on high thy name is ever magnified Let all of Christendom proclaim How once at God's behest an Angel came to bring Joy to thine anxious breast, and tell of Christ the King The Babe foretold of yore that of a maid must spring, By God the Spirit shadowed o'er. How with thy new-born Lord and Mary thou didst flee; How Egypt did afford haven for them and thee; How in Jerusalem that Son, sought mournfully, Restored all joy, all grief did stem. Not till death's hour is past do other men obtain The blessings that do last, the joys that e'er remain; Thou, like to Angels blest, on earth didst here attain To clasp thy God unto thy breast. O Holy Trinity, thy suppliant servants spare; Grant us to come to thee, with Joseph's help and prayer; And then our hearts shall raise, in saintly chorus fair, Exulting canticles of praise. Amen. ## Sources - Catholic Church. (1993). *Proper of the Liturgy of the Hours of the Order of Discalced Carmelites*. Institutum Carmelitanum, Rome. - OCD General Curia Calendar: https://carmelitequotes.blog/discalced-carmelite-calendar/