1. O blessed Saint Joseph, how great was thy worth, The one chosen shadow of God upon earth, The father of Jesus! Ah then, wilt thou be, Sweet spouse of our Lady! A father to me? 2. For thou to the pilgrim art father and guide, And Jesus and Mary felt safe by thy side; Ah, blessed Saint Joseph, how safe I should be, Sweet spouse of our Lady! If thou wert with me! 3. When the treasures of God where unsheltered on earth, Safe keeping was found them both in thy worth; O father of Jesus, be father to me, Sweet spouse of our Lady! And I will love thee. Page 142 ---------- No. 93 SAINTS, St. Joseph Great Saint Joseph! Son of David Du aus David's Translated by Bishop Casartelli from a Slovak Hymnal Arr. by N. A. M. Con Spirito 1. Great Saint Joseph! Son of David, Foster father of our Lord, Spouse of Mary ever Virgin, Keeping o'er them watch and ward! In the stable thou didst guard them With a father's loving care; Thou by God's command didst save them From the cruel Herod's snare. 2. Three long days in grief and anguish With His Mother sweet and mild, Mary Virgin, didst thou wander Seeking the beloved Child. In the temple thou didst find Him: Oh! What joy then filled thy heart! In thy sorrows, in thy gladness Grant us, Joseph, to have a part. 3. Clasped in Jesus' arms and Mary's, When death gently came at last, Thy pure spirit sweetly sighing From its earthly dwelling passed. Dear Saint Joseph! By that passing May our death be like to thine; And with Jesus, Mary, Joseph, May our souls forever shine. Page 143-144 ---------- No. 94 SAINTS, St. Joseph Joseph, pure Spouse of that Immortal Bride Te Joseph Celebrent Translated by Father Caswall M. Mattoni Devoto (alla breve) 1. Joseph, pure spouse of that immortal Bride; Who shines in ever-virgin glory bright, Thro' all the Christian climes the praise be sung, Thro' all the realms of light. 2. Thine arms embraced thy Maker newly born: With Him to Egypt's desert didst thou flee: Him in Jerusalem didst seek and find; O grief, O joy for thee. 3. Not until after death their blissful crown Other obtain, but unto thee was giv'n, In thine own lifetime to enjoy thy God As do the blest in Heav'n. 4. Grant us great Trinity, for Joseph's sake Unto the starry mansions to attain; There, with glad tongues, thy praise to celebrate In one eternal strain. Page 145 ---------- No. 95 SAINTS, St. Joseph Hail! Holy Joseph, Hail! Father Faber From the Catholic Songbook (St. Gall 1863) Con Spirito 1. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Chaste spouse of Mary hail! Pure as the lily flow'r In Eden's peaceful vale. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Prince of the house of God! May His best graces be By thy sweet hands bestowed. 2. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! Comrade of Angels, hail! Cheer thou the hearts that faint, And guide the steps that fail. Hail, holy Joseph, hail! God's choice wert thou alone! To thee the Word made flesh, Was subject as a Son.