God of mercy and of the holy covenant,
you created every human being, male and female,
in your image and likeness,
so that they may be fruitful and multiply on earth.

In the beginning of our Christian era,
you asked Joseph, illustrious descendant of David,
to take the blessed Virgin Mary as his wife
and to form with her a family
for Jesus, your Son, our Redeemer.

Through the difficulties and trials
you guided St. Joseph,
you made him the protector of the Holy Family
and allowed the Church to recognize him
as an attentive protector for all Christian families.

During this important moment in our countrys history,
we ask you to guard marriage according to your will,
and we appeal for the intercession and protection
of St. Joseph, your obedient servant,
so that Canadian families of today
will be strengthened in love
and continue to live securely
in your inspired definition of marriage.

Litany to Saint Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Noble descendant of the House of David, pray for us.
Faithful Husband of the Virgin Mary, pray for us.
Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.
Man of prudent silence, pray for us.
Model of workers, pray for us.
Guardian of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Protector of the Universal Church, pray for us.
Patron of Canada, pray for us.
Guardian of the Christian families, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, forgive us, Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

O God, you were pleased to choose Saint Joseph
as the husband of Mary and the guardian of your Son.
Grant that, as we venerate him as our protector on earth,
we may have him as our intercessor in heaven.
Hear the prayers we offer you,
through his intercession,
for the strengthening and protection
of marriage and family in our country.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.