God of mercy and of the holy covenant,
you created every human being, male and female,
in your image and likeness,
so that they may be fruitful and multiply on earth.

In the beginning of our Christian era,
you asked Joseph,
to take the blessed Virgin Mary as his wife
and to form with her a family
for Jesus, your Son, our Redeemer.

Through the difficulties and trials
you guided St. Joseph,
you made him the protector of the Holy Family
and allowed the Church to recognize him
as an attentive protector for all Christian families.

During this time in which we live,
we ask you to safeguard marriage according to your will,
and we appeal for the intercession and protection
of St. Joseph and the Holy Family,
so that our families will be strengthened in love
and protected from all evil. Amen.