O Joseph, to you sing angel choirs joyously;
In merits you abound, Christians give you great praise.
United to your spouse, Virgin Immaculate:
By that bond holy and most chaste.
You felt amazement and deepest anxiety,
Seeing your spouse with child, till the doubt was relieved.
An angel reassured, told you to have no fear:
“By the Spirit he is conceived.”
The newborn King of kings you embraced with great joy;
To Egypt followed him, for his sake an exile.
You lost and sought and found him in Jerusalem:
Joys and tears mingled all the while.
Others attain to bliss only after their death;
Glory awaits those who palms of martyrs have won.
More blest by far than they, you, living here below,
Enjoyed the presence of God’s Son.
Pardon us suppliants, Most Holy Trinity.
May Joseph’s merits lead us to beatitude;
Thus, and forevermore, we shall sing joyously
Hymns of eternal gratitude.