The Josary: Pray the Mysteries of the Life of St. Joseph
- Sr. Kathleen Rooney, SSJ
- Mar 9
- 5 min read
Saint Joseph is a man of mystery. Very few Scripture passages refer to him, and there are no recorded words of his in all of Sacred Scripture. Yet despite this silence, he played a paramount role in God's work of salvation, faithfully protecting and providing for the Holy Family as the parent of Jesus and spouse to Mary.
Though the Gospels offer only brief glimpses into Joseph’s life, those moments reveal a man of profound interior strength, unwavering trust, and quiet obedience. Joseph’s holiness was not marked by public preaching or grand miracles but by his faithful response to God in the ordinary and unexpected moments of life. He teaches us that sanctity is often lived in silence, in steadfast commitment, and in courageous trust when God’s plan unfolds in ways we do not fully understand. Throughout the history of the Church, devotion to Saint Joseph has grown as believers recognize in him a powerful intercessor, protector of families, and model of faithful discipleship. His life reminds us that one does not need many words to proclaim the Gospel; sometimes holiness speaks most clearly through action, sacrifice, and presence.
In today’s article, we are pleased to share with you, Josary, the prayer that Sr. Kathleen developed as a way to pray with the mysteries of Joseph's life, much as the Rosary invites us to meditate on the mysteries of Mary's life. The Josary prayer itself, like the Hail Mary, begins with the angel's annunciation to Joseph and concludes with our petition for his intercession.
The Josary Prayer
“Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. (Mt.1:20) Holy Joseph, Virgin Father of Jesus, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
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First Mystery
Joseph the Just Man
Joseph her husband, since he was a just man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided divorce her quietly. (Mt1:19)
This designated title of Joseph reveals to us his character. “Righteous” is another word used to describe Joseph. By Jewish law, as Mary and Joseph were betrothed, he had the right to expose Mary’s condition publicly and have her stoned for adultery. Joseph must have felt stunned, confused and feeling greatly betrayed. Perhaps he even felt humiliated. Yet, Joseph decides, without fanfare or rancor, to divorce her quietly. He chooses not to shame Mary despite his own anguish.
Let us be thankful for Joseph’s righteousness and seek his help when we need to practice justice with mercy.
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All Mysteries are prayed by starting with an Our Father, 10 Josary Prayers, and ending with a Glory Be.
Second Mystery
The Annunciation
Joseph, Son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife, into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. (Mt. 1:20)
Joseph, having decided to divorce Mary quietly, now has his Annunciation. The angel appears to Joseph and tells him to take Mary into his home, the child has been conceived by the Holy Spirit, not through an act of human intimacy. Unlike with Zechariah and Mary, Scripture tells us nothing about Joseph’s reaction. Angels have now appeared to both Joseph and Mary! This is no ordinary circumstance, no ordinary child, and surely, this will be no ordinary union. Plans have changed. Dreams have changed. Life has changed.
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Have you ever felt in awe of God’s un-ordinary action in your life? Or astounded by unexpected changes? Go to Joseph, he knows about changes, new directions, and new beginnings.
Third Mystery
The Birth of Jesus
“...it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” (Mt. 1:20)
The description of Joseph as the Virgin Father of Jesus is the most accurate title for Joseph. By definition, the terms foster father and stepfather are incorrect. Joseph was a virgin, like Mary. He was the virgin father and she, the virgin mother of Jesus.
When Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, the Gospel of Luke tells us there was no room for them at the Inn; Jesus would be born in a stable. This must have caused Joseph great distress. And yet, it is here, away from the crowded, noisy inn, that Joseph and Mary will find quiet and intimate privacy for this miraculous birth.
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Sometimes, in our own immediate circumstances, we do not see the hand of God or even feel God’s Presence. Go to Joseph, the Virgin Father of Jesus. May Joseph help you to discover blessings in the unexpected.
The Fourth Mystery
Joseph’s Dreams
Aside from his Annunciation, Joseph has three dreams regarding the safety of the child Jesus. (Matthew 2:13-15, 2:19-21 and 2:22-23.)
The first of these dreams was the call to flee to Egypt for Herod was seeking to kill the child. It is a dream with such urgency that, in the middle of the night, Joseph will leave with Mary and Jesus for Egypt. Leaving all behind, they are now refugees.
Joseph’s second dream is for the family to return home, as Herod and those who sought to kill Jesus are now dead. What relief they must have felt knowing they were now safe and what utter joy that they could to return home to their families and their country!
In the third dream, Joseph’s instinct not to return to Judea is confirmed by the angel. The Holy Family will instead go to Nazareth in Galilee.
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Go to Joseph for the protection and safety of your loved ones and seek his courage in following your dreams.
The Fifth Mystery
Joseph, the Parent
“The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.” Luke 2:4 The “hidden years” of Jesus’ life may have been the proverbial “Camelot” of Joseph’s life. (Luke 5:1-2)
He and Mary, married, making a home and raising Jesus. Those common, ordinary days must have been a great treasure after the turmoil of their beginning years. Joseph would support the family as a carpenter and teach his trade to Jesus. As observant Jews, Joseph and Mary would be the first to teach Jesus about prayer, the Torah and the practices of Judaism through their words and actions.
It was by Divine intervention that Joseph was chosen to be a parent to Jesus. Joseph’s influence on Jesus during those early years must have been exceptional—we need only look at the man Jesus to know the influence of Joseph.
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Go to Joseph over again as you face the challenges and joys of being a parent, grandparent or any type of caregiver!
Copyright © Kathleen Rooney, SSJ 2019
Sr. Kathleen’s beautiful devotion invites us into deeper companionship with Saint Joseph, a saint whose strength was rooted in listening, trusting, and responding to God with his whole life. The Josary can be a pathway into Joseph’s quiet yet powerful witness. Through the mysteries, we are reminded that holiness often unfolds in ordinary moments; through caring for family, responding faithfully to unexpected changes, protecting those entrusted to us, and seeking God’s will even when the path ahead is unclear. We can place ourselves alongside Joseph, learning from his courage, humility, and steadfast love. As we reflect on these mysteries, may we grow in our ability to listen for God’s voice, respond with faithful hearts, and care for others with compassionate strength.
May this prayer deepen our devotion to Saint Joseph and remind us that we are never alone in our spiritual journey. Just as Joseph faithfully guarded the Holy Family, he continues to watch over the Church and all who seek his intercession. May we confidently turn to him in times of uncertainty, transition, and responsibility, trusting that he will lead us closer to Christ.
Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!