DEAR ST. JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF MARY

A HYMN FOR THE 3rd SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

Dear St. Joseph, pure and gentle, 
Guardian of the Saviour child, 
Treading with the virgin mother, 
Egypt's deserts rough and wild.

Chorus:Hail, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, 
Blessed above all saints on high,
When the death-shades round us gather, 
Teach, oh, teach us how to die.

He who rested on thy bosom
Is by countless saints adored; 
Prostrate angels in His presence 
Sing hosannas to their Lord.

Now to thee no gift refusing,
Jesus stoops to hear thy prayer;
Then, dear saint, from thy fair dwelling, 
Give to us a father's care.

Dear St. Joseph, kind and loving,
Stretch to us a helping hand;
Guide us through life's toils and sorrows
Safely to the distant land.

In the strife of life be near us,
And in death, oh, hover nigh,
Let our souls on thy sweet bosom
To their home of gladness fly.

Thou hast known a pilgrim's sorrows,
But thy day of toil is o'er;
Help us while we journey onward 
Lead us to the peaceful shore.

Hail St. Joseph, just and holy,
Loving children breathe thy name;
Here below, through toil and danger,
Love and care from thee we claim.