Cord of Saint Joseph

White cotton cord with seven knots symbolizing the Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows of Saint Joseph. The cord is traditionally worn around the waist to promote purity, chastity, and obedience but can also be draped around the shoulders. The cord should be blessed by a priest using a special formula approved by Pope Pius IX (formula below).

The cord is unblessed. If you would like your cord blessed, please use the comments section to request that we have the cord blessed. Alternatively, you can ask your priest to bless the cord. Formula for blessing follows.

Devotional Practices

Daily devotion involves:

• Reciting seven Glory Be prayers in honor of the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph.
• Praying a specific prayer for purity:
  “O Guardian of Virgins and holy Father St. Joseph, into whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence Itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.”
• Meditating on St. Joseph’s Seven Joys and Sorrows, with an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be after each Joy and Sorrow

Spiritual Benefits

The Cord of Saint Joseph is believed to grant several graces, including:

• Purity of heart and chastity
• Humility and obedience
• Protection from sin
• Health of mind and body
• Assistance in attaining a happy and holy death.

Wearing the Cord of Saint Joseph is a tangible reminder to live a virtuous life, seek St. Joseph's intercession, and embrace purity, chastity, and obedience in daily life.