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Tune: JOSEPH MAGNUS by Mark Emerson Donnelly
Harmony by Mark Emerson Donnelly
Sung by Cantores in Domo Quartet (at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Omaha, NE)
Artwork: Icon of St. Joseph and Christ, by a monk of Fontgombault Abbey (Buy at Clear Creek Abbey's gift shop https://clearcreekmonks.org/gift-shop/st-joseph-and-christ-icon/ )
Full Text:
Great Saint Joseph, son of David,
Foster father of our Lord,
Spouse of Mary ever Virgin,
Keeping o'er them watch and ward!
In the stable thou didst guard them,
With a father's loving care;
Thou by God's command didst save them
From the cruel Herod's snare.
Three long days in grief and anguish
With His Mother sweet and mild,
Mary Virgin, didst thou wander
Seeking the beloved Child.
In the temple thou didst find Him:
Oh! What joy then fill'd thy heart!
In thy sorrows, in thy gladness
Grant us, Joseph, to have a part.
Clasp'd in Jesus' arms and Mary's,
When death gently came at last,
Thy pure spirit sweetly sighing
From its earthly dwelling pass'd.
Dear Saint Joseph! By thy passing
May our death be like to thine;
And with Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
May our souls forever shine!
