Little Office of Saint Joseph – Matins: Latin and English

All hours of the office will eventually end up on this page on the website.

The text of the prayers come from the work titled, Coeleste Palmetum, ad Ubertatem et Sacras Delicias Excultum, Ornatum, Munitum, Wilhelmi Nakateni S.J. 5th Edition, 1866. Translation provided by the work titled, Prayer Book for Religious: A complete Manual of Prayers and Devotions for the Use of the Members of all Religious Communities, by Rev. F.X. Lasance, Revised Edition, 1914. Where texts differ translation provided by Geo. West.

AD MATUTINUM

Salve, Patriarcharum decus, et Ecclesiae sanctae Dei oeconome, cui panem vitae et frumentum electorum conservasti.

V. Domine, labia mea aperies.

R. Et os meum annuntiabit laudem tuam.

V. Deus, in adjutorium meum intende.

R. Domine, ad adjuvandum me festina.

V. Gloria Patria. Alleluia.

(A Septuagesima usque ad Pascha, loco Alleluia, dicitur: Laus tibi, Domine, Rex aeternae gloriae)

HYMNUS

Magne Joseph, Fili David, Custos date Virgini, Quem et Virgo nuncupavit Petrem Christi Domini. Qui fidelis fervus Dei Datus es familiae, Precor velis curam mei, Tanquam Pater gerere.

Antiph. Constituit eum Dominum domus suae, et Principem omnis possessionis suae. (Psalm 104.20)

V. Ora pro nobis beatissime Joseph;

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus.

Sanctissimae Genitricis tuae Sponsi, quaesumus Domine, meritis adjuvemur: ut quod poffibilitas nostra non obtinet: ejus nobis intercessione donetur. Qui vivis, et regnas Deus in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

V. Domine exaudi orationem meam;

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

V. Benedicamus Domino,

R. Deo gratias.

V. Et fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace. R. Amen.

AT MATINS

Hail, glory of the patriarchs, steward of God’s holy Church, who didst preserve the Bread of life and the Wheat of the elect.

V. Thou, O Lord, wilt open my lips,

R. And my mouth shall announce Thy praise.

V. Incline unto mine aid, O God!

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

V. Glory be to the Father. Alleluia.

(During Lent, instead of Alleluia, say: Praise to you, O Lord, King of eternal glory)

HYMNUS

Mighty Joseph, son of David! High and glorious is thy state – Of Our Lord the foster-father, Mary’s spouse immaculate. The Almighty’s faithful servant, Of the Holy Family Head and father. Oh! I pray thee, Be a father unto me.

Ant. He made him master of His house, and ruler over all His possessions. (Psalm 104.20)

V. Pray for us, most blessed Joseph,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

May we, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be assisted by the merits of the spouse of Thy most holy Mother, that what of ourselves we can not possibly obtain. may through his intercession be granted to us by Thee, Who livest and reignest God for ever and ever. Amen.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer,

R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

V. Let us bless the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God.

V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. R. Amen.