Page:ThePathToHeaven.djvu/514

 O God,  who  in  thine  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  our  intercessor  in  heaven,  whom  on  earth we venerate  as  our  holy  protector;  who  livest  and  reignest, world without  end. Amen.

An indulgence of  one  year  to  all  the  faithful  in  the  whole Catholic world,  every  time  that  with  contrite  heart  and  devoutly they  say  the  above  Responsory  in  honour  of  St. Joseph, to implore  his  efficacious  protection  in  life  and  in  death.

Hail! holy Joseph,  hail! .     .      .      .      .  .140

Seek ye  the  grace  of  God. .     .      .      .      .  141

Jesus, let  me  call  thee  son. .     . . .      .  173

Dear husband  of  Mary. . . . . . 174

This Novena  commences  on  the  4th  and  ends  on  the 12th March,  the  anniversary  of  the  canonisation  of  St. Francis  Xavier  1622. The performance  of  this  Novena consists in devoting each  of  the  nine  days  to  prayer  and good works  to  the  glory  of  Almighty  God,  and  in  honour of his  servant  St.  Francis  Xavier;  with  the  fervent  hope and desire  of  obtaining  from  God,  through  his  merits, whatsoever we  may  ask,  provided  it  be  conducive  to  our salvation and  to  the  good  of  our  souls;  or  if  such  be  not his divine  pleasure,  some  other  grace  and  benefit  more  in accordance  with  the  will  of  God,

Litany of  St. Francis Xavier,  p.  353;  Hymn,  No.  4.

O Lord  God,  who  didst  vouchsafe  by  the  preaching and miracles  o£  St.  Francis  Xavier  to  join  unto  thy Church the countries  of  the  Indies;  grant,  we  beseech thee, that  we  who  reverence  his  glorious  merits,  may also imitate  his  example;  through  Christ  our  Lord. Amen.