Cœlitum Joseph decus

Joseph, the praise and glory of the heavens

The Hymns of the Breviary and Missal

Cœlitum Joseph decus, atque nostræ
Certa spes vitæ, columenque mundi,
Quas tibi, lætic animus, benignus
Suscipe laudes.
Te Sator rerum statuit pudicæ
Virginis sponsum, voluitque Verbi
Te patrem dici, dedit et ministrum
Esse salutis.
Tu Redemptorem stabulo jacentem,
Quem chorus Vatum cecinit futurum,
Aspicis gaudens, humilisque natum
Numen adoras.
Rex Deus regum, Dominator orbis,
Cujus ad nutum tremit inferorum
Turba, cui pronus famulatur æther,
Se tibi subdit.
Laud sit excelsæ Triadi perennis,
Quæ tibit præbens superos honores,
Det tuis nobis meritis beatæ
Gaudia vitæ.

Joseph, the praise and glory of the heavens,
Sure pledge of life, and safety of the wide world,
As in our joy we sing to thee, in kindess
List to our praises.
Thou by the world’s Creator wert appointed
Spouse of the Virgin: thee He willed to honor
Naming thee Father of the Word, and guardian
Of our salvation.
Thou thy Redeemer, lying in a stable,
Whom long ago foretold the choir of prophets,
Sawest rejoicing, and thy God adoredst
Humble in childhood.
God, King of Kings, and Governor of the ages,
He at whose word the powers of hell do tremble,
He whom the adoring heavens ever worship
Called thee protector.
Praise to the Triune Godhead everlasting,
Who with such honor mightily hath blest thee;
O may He grant us at thy blest petition
Joys everlasting.

Author: Unknown 17^th cent. Meter: Sapphic and Adonic. Translation by Alan G. McDougall. There are six translations. Liturgical Use: Hymn for Matins on the Feast of St. Joseph.

“Thou art, O Joseph, the glory of the Blessed, the sure hope of our life, and the pillar of the world: graciously accept the praises we now joyfully sing to thee.”
“The Creator of the world appointed thee the spouse of the most pure Virgin, and He willed that thou be called the father of the Word; and He made thee a minister of salvation.” Ministrum, instrument.
“Rejoicing thou didst behold the Redeemer lying in the stable, Him whose advent the choir of prophets had foretold; and thou didst humbly adore the new-born God.”
“God, the King of kings, and the Ruler of the world, at whose nod the hosts of hell tremble, whom the heavens prostrate serve, makes Himself subject to thee.” Se subdit: Et erat subditus illis (Luke 2, 51).
“Never-ending praise be to the most high Trinity who hath bestowed upon thee heavenly honors, and may the same grant us, through thy merits, the joys of a blessed life.”