This icon portrays St. Joseph as protector of the Holy Family. We, the Anawim poor, call on him to be our protector as well. The presence of the dark clouds and the angel calls to mind Joseph's struggle when he learned that Mary was pregnant, and the light he received through the message of an angel (cf. Mt. 1:18-21). In the midst of the darkness that so often clouds our vision on our pilgrimage through life, Joseph shows us the way of obedient faith. He is for us a model of simplicity, humility, and unwavering commitment to God's holy will, even in the most contradictory circumstances.

St. Joseph holds in his heart a tender concern for our salvation. He watches over us day and night, preserving us from occasions of sin, and obtaining for us purity of soul and body, that we may be united with the hearts of Jesus and Mary. Through his intercession, he shares with us his own burning love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and his tender love for Mary our mother. Joseph puts us in the care of the angels, especially our own guardian angels. He inspires in us a total trust in God, so that we will not be overcome by any of our doubts, fears, or human limitations. Joseph helps us stand secure in the hope that, in living and in dying, we will attain the fullness of life he enjoys with Jesus and Mary.

Prayer to St. Joseph, Protector of the Anawim

Beloved St. Joseph, Protector of the Anawim, watch over us day and night, preserve us from occasions of sin and obtain for us purity of soul and body. Grant us a spirit of sacrifice, humility, and courage, a burning love for Jesus in the Eucharist, and a tender love for Mary our mother. St. Joseph, be with us living, be with us dying, and intercede for us to Jesus our merciful Savior. Amen.