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The Memorare to Saint Joseph: A Prayer of Confidence
Pray the Memorare to Saint Joseph, beginning “Remember, O most chaste spouse,” with context about its devotional history, Ite ad Joseph, and prayer during urgent needs.
Part of the St. Joseph prayer collection.
In brief
The Memorare to Saint Joseph is a traditional devotional prayer asking Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, to receive a person's request with kindness. It is commonly prayed in a novena or during an urgent need. It is not a universal liturgical formula and does not guarantee a favor.
The Memorare to Saint Joseph
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who invoked your protection
and asked for your help without being comforted.
Inspired by this confidence, I come to you
and commend myself to you.
Do not reject my prayer,
O foster father of the Redeemer,
but accept it with kindness.
Amen.
Wording varies in English prayer books, including "never was it known" and "never has it been known," and "foster father" or "nursing father." Use the form provided by your parish or prayer group when a particular text is requested.
Source and tradition: traditional Catholic devotional prayer to Saint Joseph. It is commonly understood as an adaptation of the Marian Memorare associated with Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, but the exact author and date of the Saint Joseph form are not always established.
Understanding “never was it known”
The opening is a devotional expression of confidence in Saint Joseph's intercession, not a mathematical statement that every request will be granted in the requested way. The comfort may arrive as clarity, companionship, courage, repentance, practical help, or a changed situation. A person may pray with confidence and still remain open to God's will and to outcomes they did not choose.
Ite ad Ioseph: “Go to Joseph”
In Genesis 41:55, Pharaoh tells the hungry people to go to Joseph, son of Jacob, for grain. Christian tradition has read that story as a foreshadowing or devotional image of turning to Saint Joseph, who cared for Jesus and Mary. The two Josephs are not the same person, and Genesis is not a direct command to pray to the New Testament saint. It is a typological connection used in Catholic reflection.
How to pray it during anxiety
- Put both feet on the floor and take one slow breath.
- Name the need in one sentence rather than rehearsing every fear.
- Pray the Memorare slowly.
- Identify one fact you need, one person you can contact, and one safe next step.
- If the anxiety is persistent, severe, or affecting sleep and daily life, speak with a qualified mental-health professional and a trusted pastoral caregiver.
Prayer can help a person pause, but it should not become a compulsion to repeat a text until fear disappears. If repetition is driven by panic or scrupulosity, shorten the prayer and seek support.
When to pray the Memorare
- During a novena to Saint Joseph.
- Before a difficult decision, after gathering the relevant facts.
- For a family, work, housing, or health concern, alongside practical help.
- On a Saint Joseph Wednesday or feast day.
- In quiet daily devotion when no crisis is present.
Sources & Tradition
Frequently asked questions
What is the Memorare to Saint Joseph?
It is a traditional Catholic prayer of confidence that asks Saint Joseph to receive a request with kindness and intercede. It is related in form to the better-known Marian Memorare.
Is the Memorare to Saint Joseph an official liturgical prayer?
It is a traditional devotional prayer, not a universal requirement of the Roman liturgy. Parishes and prayer books may use different wording.
Does the Memorare guarantee that Saint Joseph will grant my request?
No. Catholics ask a saint to intercede; they do not treat the saint as a machine or a god. Pray with trust while remaining open to God's will and taking responsible action.
What does foster father of the Redeemer mean?
It refers to Joseph's role as the man entrusted with the care of Jesus in the Holy Family. It does not mean Joseph is Jesus' divine Father; Catholic faith confesses God as Father.
Can I pray this for someone else?
Yes. Ask Saint Joseph to intercede for that person's good and respect their freedom. Prayer should not be used to pressure someone or avoid necessary care.