Cord of St Joseph, made of sturdy, soft cotton cord. Includes prayer card and information on indulgences and obligations.
This cord may be shortened, if required, by tying an overhand knot in the single knot end and then cutting. This cord has not been blessed. Made by hand in Canada
History
The cord of St Joseph originated in the city of Antwerp Belgium in the year 1638. Sister Elizabeth, a religious of the Order of St Augustine, being dangerously ill and given over by her physicians, prayed to St Joseph to cure her. Causing a cord to be blessed in honour of the Holy Patriarch, she put it on as a cincture (belt) and found herself suddenly restored to health.
The cord of St Joseph was approved by the Sacred Congregation of Rites, 1858, and enriched by Pius IX with many indulgences, both plenary and partial. It is made of white cotton (or may be made of wool), having at one end seven knots in remembrance of the Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows of St Joseph.
Graces for the wearers:
1) The special protection on the part of St Joseph
2) Increased purity of soul
3) The grace of chastity according to one's state in life
4) Final perserverance
5) The special assistance of St Joseph at the hour of death
A plenary indulgence is gained on the first day the cord is put on. On the principle Feasts of Our Lord, Our Lady and St Joseph, those wearing the cord may gain a plenary indulgence. Every day the cord is worn a partial indulgence of 60 days may be gained. A plenary indulgence is attached to all masses said for the repose of the soul of a person who dies wearing the cord of St Joseph.
Daily Invocation to be said by Wearers
Guardian of virgins and father, dear St Joseph, to whose faithful care Christ Jesus, Innocence itself and Mary, Virgin of Virgins were committed, I pray and beg of thee, by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, free me from all uncleanness and make me with spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste body, ever most chastely serve Jesus and Mary all the days of my life. Good St Joseph, our father and guide protect us! Protect Holy Mother Church! Protect our Holy Father the Pope! Amen
Nihil Obstat Arthur Scanlan S.T.O.
Censor Librorum
Imprimatur + Francis Cardinal Spellman Archbishop of New York