Some prayers have been carried by the faithful for so long that they feel less like words and more like a river — something ancient, deep, and still flowing. This prayer to St. Joseph is over 1,900 years old. Generation after generation has placed their interests, their desires, and their fears into the hands of the man God chose to protect His own Son — and found that those hands are strong enough to hold them too.

This St. Joseph 1,900 Year Old Prayer laminated card carries one of the most ancient and venerated prayers in the Catholic tradition. Designed by Shawn Kilgarlin — wife, mother of four, mental health clinician, and highly sought-after Life Coach from Shreveport, Louisiana — every ShopCatholic card is made with purpose. ShopCatholic is Shawn’s ministry: profits from every card go toward her mission of giving, including donating thousands of Christmas gifts to children in need every Christmas Eve through Holy Angels, and volunteering at addiction treatment centers. When you buy a card, you’re part of that giving.

👷 The Prayer — Over 1,900 Years Old

Oh St. Joseph,
whose protection is so great, so strong,
so prompt before the Throne of God,
I place in you all my interests and desires.

Oh St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession
and obtain for me from your Divine Son
all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord;
so that having engaged here below your heavenly power,
I may offer my thanksgiving and homage
to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you
and Jesus asleep in your arms.
I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart.
Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me,
and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls — pray for us. Amen.

📦 Card Details

• Laminated with gold colour accents
• 2.5" x 4.5" — wallet-size and Bible-bookmark ready
• Classic sacred art image of St. Joseph on the front, full ancient prayer on the back
• Available as a single card or in packs of 3, 10, 25, 50, and 100
• A treasured card for anyone with a deep devotion to St. Joseph

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How old is this prayer and where does it come from?
This prayer is said to be over 1,900 years old — one of the most ancient prayers to St. Joseph in the Catholic tradition. It has been passed down through the centuries, carried by the faithful across generations and continents. Its age is part of its power: you are praying words that millions of souls before you have prayed, placing your needs in the same hands they trusted.

How is this different from the St. Joseph 50th Year of Our Lord card?
Both are ancient prayers to St. Joseph with similar themes of protection and intercession, but with different prayer texts and sacred art images. Many devoted customers keep both — one for daily prayer and one to share. They make a beautiful pair for anyone with a deep love of St. Joseph.

Is this a good gift for someone facing a serious need?
Absolutely. This prayer — with its closing petition asking St. Joseph to intercede at the moment of death — is especially meaningful for someone facing illness, a life transition, or the end of life. It’s also a powerful card for anyone carrying a heavy burden and needing the reassurance that a great saint is interceding for them.

Can I order in bulk or get custom printed cards?
Yes! Standard packs of up to 100 ship quickly — usually same day or within 24 hours if in stock. For larger needs, we offer custom printing with a minimum of 1,000 cards, delivered in approximately 5 days, in any quantity you need. When Pope Francis visited the United States, he ordered 15,000 custom “Praying with Five Fingers” cards to share with the faithful. Whether you need 1,000 or 15,000, we can make it happen — and every order helps fund Shawn’s mission of giving back.