Leo XIII’s other prayer to conclude the Rosary in October

Not only did this pope invite us to call on Michael the Archangel, he also proposed St. Joseph as a defender against the devil.

Pope Francis has called the Church during this month of October to renew the use of Pope Leo XIII’s Prayer to the Archangel Michael, beseeching this heavenly warrior to protect the Church from the power of the devil.

But this isn’t the only prayer that Leo recommended. He also invited the Church — way back in 1889 — to conclude the Rosary in the month of October with a prayer to another powerful intercessor: St. Joseph.

In Quamquam pluries, Leo asked the faithful to call on St. Joseph for protection against the devil, and to conclude the Rosary with the prayer that he offered.

Here is that prayer:

To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly beg thee also to take us under thy protection. By that charity wherewith thou wert united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou wilt look down with gracious eye upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His blood, and wilt succor us in our need by thy power and strength. Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage, that, following thine example and strengthened by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in Heaven. Amen.