Another St. Joseph poem

St. Joseph, Protector
By E. Merryweather

Protector of the Church world-wide,
Christ's holy Spouse, His mystic Bride,
That issued from His piercèd side.

Protector of the Mother-Maid,
To whom thy holy vows were paid,
Within whose arms was Jesus laid.

Protector of the Child Divine—
Oh, with what radiance they shine,
That glory and that joy of thine!

Be thou, St. Joseph, by our side
When perils in our lives betide,--
Protector, guardian, loving guide!

Take us, dear Saint, beneath thy care;
Make us thy wondrous virtues share;
Teach us thy hidden life of prayer.

The Ave Maria, March 6, 1915.