Hymn To Saint Joseph
SATB and Organ. A Vespers Hymn for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. (March 19th.) Also for an Advent Lessons and Carols or Christmas Lessons and Carols — and the story is read in Advent and at Christmas in Year A. Unmetered, but a wonderfully haunting tune in the English Church Music style.
O Joseph, heavenly hosts thy worthiness proclaim,
And Christendom conspires to celebrate thy fame,
Thou who in purest bonds wert to the Virgin bound;
How glorious is thy name renowned.
Thou, when thou didst behold thy Spouse about to bear,
Wert sore oppressed with doubt, wert filled with wondering care;
At length the Angel's word thy anxious heart relieved:
She by the spirit hath conceived.
Thou with thy newborn Lord didst seek far Egypt's land,
As wandering pilgrims ye fled o'er the desert sand;
That Lord, when lost, by thee is in the Temple found,
While tears are shed, and joys abound.
O Holy Trinity, Thy suppliant servants spare;
Grant us to rise to heaven for Joseph's sake and prayer,
And so our grateful hearts to Thee shall ever raise
Exulting canticles of praise. Amen