O JOSEPH, SPOUSE SO PURE

A HYMN FOR THE 3rd SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

O Joseph, spouse so pure of that immortal bride
Whose glory shines secure, midst virgins glorified:
How now on high thy name is ever magnified
Let all of Christendom proclaim;

How once at God's behest an Angel came to bring
Joy to thine anxious breast, and tell of Christ the King—
The Babe foretold of yore that of a maid must spring,
By God the Spirit shadowed o'er.

How with thy new-born Lord and Mary thou didst flee;
How Egypt did afford haven for them and thee;
How in Jerusalem that Son, sought mournfully,
Restored all joy, all grief did stem.

Not till death's hour is past do other men obtain
The blessings that do last, the joys that e'er remain;
Thou, like to Angels blest, on earth didst here attain
To clasp thy God unto thy breast.

O Holy Trinity, thy suppliant servants spare;
Grant us to come to thee, with Joseph's help and prayer;
And then our hearts shall raise, in saintly chorus fair,
Exulting canticles of praise.  Amen.

Vespers Hymn for the Feast and Octave of Saint Joseph