Sometimes searching for hymns on a particular person or subject I get overwhelmed by the number of options out there. Not so in the case of dear Saint Joseph! It's difficult to find hymns with deep meaning about a man who never says a word. I suppose I can't blame composers for struggling to put his actions to music.
Tomorrow is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and though we will not have music at this Mass, I found a hymn that would be lovely if we did! So instead of singing it with you tomorrow, here it is for you to listen to as you contemplate Saint Joseph, how he lived and how he died. (The Lyrics are written out for you below the video.)
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Dear St. Joseph, pure and gentle,
Guardian of the Saviour child,
Treading with the virgin mother,
Egypt's deserts rough and wild.
Chorus:
Hail, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary,
Blessed above all saints on high,
When the death-shades round us gather,
Teach, oh, teach us how to die.
He who rested on thy bosom
Is by countless saints adored;
Prostrate angels in His presence
Sing hosannas to their Lord.
Now to thee no gift refusing,
Jesus stoops to hear thy prayer;
Then, dear saint, from thy fair dwelling,
Give to us a father's care.
Dear St. Joseph, kind and loving,
Stretch to us a helping hand;
Guide us through life's toils and sorrows
Safely to the distant land.
In the strife of life be near us,
And in death, oh, hover nigh,
Let our souls on thy sweet bosom
To their home of gladness fly.
Thou hast known a pilgrim's sorrows,
But thy day of toil is o'er;
Help us while we journey onward
Lead us to the peaceful shore.
Hail St. Joseph, just and holy,
Loving children breathe thy name;
Here below, through toil and danger,
Love and care from thee we claim.