Hymn for Saint Joseph

One of the coolest things about the Mundelein Psalter is its hymns.  See, the Liturgy of the Hours has hymns prescribed for specific feasts and days throughout the year (it's not just "pop in a song and go"; there's a prescribed song that's ideal to be sung).  Below is the Vespers Hymn for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary:

O Joseph, heav'nly hosts thy worthiness proclaim,

And Christendom conspires to celebrate thy fame,

Thou who in purest bonds were to the Virgin bound;

How glorious is thy name renowned.

Thou, when thou didst behold thy Spouse about to bear,

Were sore oppressed with doubt, were filled with wond'ring 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 wand'ring 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.

Not till death's hour is past do other men obtain

The meed of holiness, and glorious rest attain;

Thou, like to Angels made, in life completely blest,

Dost clasp thy God unto thy breast.

O Holy Trinity, thy suppliant servants spare;

Grant us to rise to heav'n for Joseph's sake and prayer,

And so our grateful hearts to thee shall ever raise

Exulting canticles of praise. Amen.

Coming soon: official relaunch of this blog (with new name, new layout, new all sorts of things)!  Happy Solemnity!