7 Sorrows & Joys of St. Joseph Devotion

The Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph

“The devotion to the Seven Sundays in honor of St. Joseph are observed by receiving Holy Communion in his honor on seven consecutive Sundays, and on each Sunday the prayer in honor of the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph are recited. This devotion may be practiced at any time of the year, for example the seven days leading up to March 19th or the seven Sundays preceding his solemnity on March 19th.

A plenary indulgence, applicable to the souls in purgatory, on each Sunday of any seven consecutive Sundays of the year, to all the faithful, who, having received Holy Communion, recite the prayers of the Seven Sorrows and Joys of Saint Joseph. Conditions: — Visit to a public oratory and prayer according to the intention of the Holy Father. (Pope Pius IX, 1 February 1847)"

First Sorrow: The doubt of St. Joseph. (Matt. 1:19) 

First Joy: The message of the Angel. (Matt. 1:20) 

Second Sorrow: The poverty of Jesus' birth. (Luke 2:7) 

Second Joy: The birth of the Savior. (Luke 2:10-11) 

Third Sorrow: The Circumcision. (Luke 2:21) 

Third Joy: The Holy Name of Jesus. (Matt. 1:25) 

Fourth Sorrow: The prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:34) 

Fourth Joy: The effects of the Redemption. (Luke 2:38) 

Fifth Sorrow: The flight into Egypt. (Matt. 2:14) 

Fifth Joy: The overthrow of the idols of Egypt. (Is. 19:1) 

Sixth Sorrow: The return from Egypt. (Matt. 2:22)

Sixth Joy: Life with Jesus and Mary at Nazareth. (Luke 2:39) 

Seventh Sorrow: The loss of the Child Jesus. (Luke 2:45) 

Seventh Joy: The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:46)

History of Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph

Two Fathers of the Franciscan order were sailing along the coast of Flanders, when a terrible tempest arose, which sank the vessel, with its three hundred passengers. The two Fathers had sufficient presence of mind to seize hold of a plank, upon which they were tossed to and fro upon the waves, for three days and nights. In their danger and affliction, their whole recourse was to St. Joseph, begging his assistance in their sad condition. The Saint, thus invoked, appeared in the habit of a young man of beautiful features, encouraged them to confide in his assistance, and, as their pilot, conducted them into a safe harbor. They, desirous to know who their benefactor was asked his name, that they might gratefully acknowledge so great a blessing and favor. He told them he was St. Joseph, and advised them daily to recite the Our Father and Hail Mary seven times, in memory of his seven dolors or griefs, and of his seven joys, and then disappeared. 

Here's Why You Should Add the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph to Your List of Devotions

St. Joseph's virtue and faith is one that we ought to imitate. But in order to do that, we have to know him and his life. In the beautiful, lesser-known devotion of the Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph, which come from Sacred Scripture, we dive into the details, emotions, and faith of this silent Gospel figure.

His life as the head of the Holy Family was Heaven on earth in a literal manner. But he did not live without difficulties. He was charged to be the protector and leader of the Holy Family and safely delivered them from Nazareth to Bethlehem to Egypt and back. 

If you don't know these prayers, take some time to learn more about it and perhaps add it to your go-to devotions. Because of his dedication to the Holy Family, trust in God, and humility, he is a powerful intercessor for the Universal Church. Here are the prayers that mark the sorrows and joys of St. Joseph's life.

Quotes of the Saints to St. Joseph

There are many saints to whom God has given the power to assist us in the necessities of life, but the power given to St. Joseph is unlimited: It extends to all our needs, and all those who invoke him with confidence are sure to be heard.  ~ St. Thomas Aquinas

Knowing by experience St. Joseph's astonishing influence with God, I would wish to persuade everyone to honor him with particular devotion. I have always seen those who honored him in a special manner make progress in virtue, for this heavenly protector favors in a striking manner the spiritual advancement of souls who commend themselves to him. ~ St. Teresa of Avila

His was the title of father of the Son of God, because he was the Spouse of Mary, ever Virgin. He was our Lord's father, because Jesus ever yielded to him the obedience of a son. He was our Lord's father, because to him were entrusted, and by him were faithfully fulfilled, the duties of a father, in protecting Him, giving Him a home, sustaining and rearing Him, and providing Him with a trade. ~ St. John Henry Newman

If anyone cannot find a master to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious saint [Joseph] as his master, and he will not go astray. ~ St. Bernadette Soubirous

Inspired by the Gospel, the Fathers of the Church from the earliest centuries stressed that just as St. Joseph took loving care of Mary and gladly dedicated himself to Jesus Christ's upbringing, he likewise watches over and protects Christ's Mystical Body, that is, the Church, of which the Virgin Mary is the exemplar and model. ~ St. John Paul II

Joseph is honored in the Church with protodulia (honor as the first among the saints), second only to the hyperdulia (the highest degree of reverence) reserved for the Blessed Virgin. Devotion to him has spread throughout the Church in our time, with immeasurable benefit to souls. The great apostle of Eucharistic devotion, St. Peter Julian Eymard, once said, “Devotion to St. Joseph is one of the choicest graces that God can give to a soul, for it is tantamount to revealing the entire treasury of our Lord's graces. When God wishes to raise a soul to greater heights, he unites it to St. Joseph by giving it a strong love for the good saint.”