Among the many devotions in honor of St. Joseph, one that is not often mentioned is the tradition of the “Five Psalms.” The devotion can be found in the Raccolta, a collection of prayers that dates to the early 19th century.

Pope Pius VII authorized this custom in 1809 “to encourage Christian People to practice this devotion to St. Joseph, thereby to obtain his efficacious protection in life, and still more in death.”

It consists of saying the following Psalms, along with various antiphons, all with the intention of honoring St. Joseph.

Ant. Joseph virum Maria, de qua natus est Jesus, qui vocatur Christus (Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ). Psalm 100 Ant. Joseph virum Maria, de qua natus est Jesus, qui vocatur Christus (Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ). Ant. Joseph de domo David, et nomen Virginis Maria (Ant. In the name Joseph of the house of David, and the Virgin Mary). Psalm 47 Ant. Joseph de domo David, et nomen Virginis Maria (Ant. In the name Joseph of the house of David, and the Virgin Mary).

Ant. Joseph vir ejus, cum esset justus, et nollet eam traducere (Ant. Joseph her husband, being a just man and not wanting to expose her). Psalm 129 Ant. Joseph vir ejus, cum esset justus, et nollet eam traducere (Ant. Joseph her husband, being a just man and not wanting to expose her). Ant. Joseph fili David, noli timere accipere Mariam conjugem tuam (Ant. Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife). Psalm 81 Ant. Joseph fili David, noli timere accipere Mariam conjugem tuam (Ant. Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife). Ant. Joseph exurgens a somno fecit, sicut praecepit ei angelus (Ant. And Joseph rising up from sleep did as the angel said.) Psalm 87 Ant. Joseph exurgens a somno fecit, sicut praecepit ei angelus (Ant. And Joseph rising up from sleep did as the angel said.)

Then it concludes with the following prayer.

V. He made him lord over His house.

R. And prince of all that was His. Let us pray.

O God, who in Thine ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have him for our intercessor in heaven, whom on earth we venerate as our holy protector. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

There is also a hymn that concludes this devotion with the opening stanza.

Seek ye the grace of God,

And mercies from on high?

Invoke St. Joseph’s holy name,

And on his aid rely.

It is a rather unknown devotion of St. Joseph, but is one that draws a person deeper in relationship with God, through the example of St. Joseph.