PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH MARELLO
O Saint Joseph Marello, like your patron and model Saint Joseph, you are proof that sanctity consists not in extraordinary achievements that attract the world's attention, but in the daily exercise of the virtues of simplicity, charity and humility. With complete trust in Divine Providence, you founded the Oblates of St. Joseph to serve the interests of Jesus in imitation of His guardian and protector. Father of youth, protector of the poor and aged, gentle shepherd of your flock, model of charity, you blended strength with kindness, prayer with action, and faithfulness to the Church with zealous attention to the signs of the times. May your holy life inspire youth to take the Gospel as their sure guide, your Oblates to be hidden and faithful instruments of God's work, priests and bishops to be loyal and loving shepherds. Pray with us that we may all live with that peacefulness of mind and heart that comes only from a trusting surrender to God's will. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH MARELLO FOR SPECIAL GRACES
Saint Joseph Marello, as you drew your inspiration and zeal for work with the young and poor from the Guardian of the Redeemer, assist and obtain for us the graces we humbly implore (pause to silently present your petitions). O Saint Joseph Marello, we are confident that you will bring our prayers before God's throne in Heaven.
LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH MARELLO
Lord, have mercy on us - Lord, Have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us - Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us - Lord, have mercy on us
Immaculate Mary, pray for us
Sorrowful Mother, pray for us
Saint Joseph, our Protector, pray for us
Saint Joseph Marello, our Founder, pray for us
Sharer in Christ's Exaltation to the Heavenly Father, pray for us
Loyal son of the Church, pray for us
Defender of papal authority, pray for us
Image of the Good Shepherd, pray for us
Teacher of Christian truths, pray for us
Most worthy bishop, pray for us
Our spiritual father, pray for us
Apostle of youth, pray for us
Gifted catechist, pray for us
Promoter of vocations, pray for us
Guide of seminarians, pray for us
Director of souls, pray for us
Most zealous preacher, pray for us
Gem among bishops, pray for us
Hidden pearl, pray for us
Tireless worker for God, pray for us
Vessel of election, pray for us
Most generous pastor, pray for us
Skillful advisor, pray for us
Glory of the Church of Asti, pray for us
Father of the poor, pray for us
Help of the aged, pray for us
Healer of the sick, pray for us
Protector of orphans, pray for us
Comfort of the outcast, pray for us
Friend of the handicapped, pray for us
Support of the needy, pray for us
Consoler of the afflicted, pray for us
Model of perfection, pray for us
Treasure of virtues, pray for us
Fount of wisdom, pray for us
Martyr of charity, pray for us
Example of piety, pray for us
Mirror of humility, pray for us
Lover of poverty, pray for us
Model of the hidden life, pray for us
Example of meekness, pray for us
Favorite child of Mary, pray for us
Devoted son of St. Joseph, pray for us
Successor of the Apostles, pray for us
Imitator of the Saints, pray for us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world - Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world - Hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world - Have mercy on us
Pray for us, Saint Joseph Marello
That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ
Let us pray:
Lord God, who for the salvation of souls wanted St. Joseph Marello to become all things to all people, mercifully grant that by his guiding counsels and helping merits, we may obtain eternal happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
INTERCESSIONS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH MARELLO
O God, who inspired St. Joseph Marello with an ardent desire to express in his interior life and in his apostolate the Christian mystery as lived by St. Joseph, the Guardian of the Redeemer:
- Through his intercession, grant us the grace to imitate him in his intimate union with You in his zeal in the service of the Church.
Lord God, you counted St. Joseph Marello among your holy pastors, renowned for faith and love which conquered evil in this world:
- By the help of his prayers keep us strong in faith and love and let us come to share his glory.
Lord, you called your people to the light of the Gospel by the preaching of St. Joseph Marello:
- By his prayers help us to grow in the love and knowledge of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
God our Father, in St. Joseph Marello you gave a light to your faithful people. You made him a pastor of the Church to feed your sheep with his word and to teach them by his example:
- Help us by his prayers to keep the faith he taught and follow the way of life he showed us.
Lord God, you gave us St. Joseph Marello to proclaim the riches of Christ:
- By the help of his prayers may we grow in knowledge of You, be eager to do good and learn to walk before You by living the truths of the Gospel.
Lord God, hear the prayers of those who recall the devout life of St. Joseph Marello:
- Guide us on our way and help us grow in love and devotion as long as we live.
God our Father, you alone are holy, without You nothing is good. Never let us be found undeserving of the glory You have prepared for us.
- Trusting in the prayers of St. Joseph Marello we ask You to help us become Your holy people.
Lord God, You teach us that the commandments of Heaven are summarized in the love of You and neighbor:
- By following in the example of St. Joseph Marello in practicing works of charity, may we be counted among the blessed in Your Kingdom.
Lord God, you called St. Joseph Marello to serve You in the Church by teaching his fellow men the way of salvation:
- Inspire us to follow his example to follow Christ our Teacher and lead us to our brothers and sisters in Heaven.
Lord God, in your bishop, St. Joseph Marello, you gave us an example of the Gospel lived to perfection:
- Help us to follow him by keeping before us the things of Heaven amid all the changes of this world.
CONCLUDING PRAYER:
Lord God, you kept St. Joseph Marello faithful to Christ's pattern of poverty and humility. May his prayers help us to live in fidelity to our calling and bring us to the perfection You have shown us in Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN TO ST. JOSEPH MARELLO
(lyrics & music by Joan Saia Tallo, Pittston, PA)
Devoted son of Saint Joseph
A healer of the sick,
So generous in compassion,
A strength beyond belief.
Oh dear Saint Joseph Marello
So gentle yet so strong,
Your image that of the shepherd
We pray to you in song.
Oh dear Saint Joseph Marello,
A life of holiness
God's angel sent down from Heaven,
He sent His special guest.
To feed the poor, help the needy,
God sent His very best.
To found the Order of Oblates
He filled his dream, his quest.