St Joseph Terror of Demons DECEM Novena

St Joseph, Terror of Demons - the DECEM Novena

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A DECEM (deck ‘em) is a 10 day novena to fortify your spirit.

We invite you into a period of serious personal reflection and engagement with Scripture. We do battle against “the flesh, the world, and the devil.” Confront the falsehoods that hold you back you from becoming the man God intends you to be.

Through the powerful example and intercession of St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, this novena is inspired by the traditional 30-day Holy Cloak Novena to St. Joseph.

Just as Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-2), St. Joseph, too, likely faced diabolical temptations aimed at disrupting God's salvific plan.

Join us over 10 days, or take this at your own pace. Either way, let’s face the enemies of God, and DECEM with prayer and spirit.

Essential Prayers

Our Father who are in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Terror of Demons Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, cast your solemn gaze upon the devil and all his minions, and protect us with your mighty staff. You fled through the night to avoid the devil’s wicked designs, now with the power of God, smite the demons as they flee from you. Grant special protection, we pray, for children, fathers, families and the dying. By God’s grace, no demon dare approach while you are near. So we beg of you, always be near us. Amen

Day 1: Confronting Unworthiness and Embracing Divine Identity

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. Luke 1:26-27

St. Joseph, as you considered your betrothal to Mary, did you grapple with feelings of inadequacy in the face of her purity? Did you question your worthiness to enter into marriage with the Mother of God? St. Bernard of Clairvaux reflected on Mary's perfection and greatness, expressing a sense of being overwhelmed by her dignity. You, St. Joseph, overcame these temptations by embracing your identity as a descendant of David, chosen by God. When you discovered Mary was with child, you pondered the personal cost, yet you heeded the angel's message:

But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matt 1:20-25

This divine reassurance strengthened you to fulfill God's will, dispelling all fear and doubt through unwavering trust.

Do you struggle with feelings of unworthiness regarding the gifts God has bestowed upon you? Do you reject these gifts, succumbing to the lie that you are not made in God's image and likeness? Remember:

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:27, 1:31

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

Day 2: Charity, Duty, and the Primacy of Family

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:39-41

St. Joseph, you understood Mary's need for you to accompany and protect her on this journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Did you struggle with the temptation to prioritize work, rationalizing that the financial security it provided was more important than supporting Mary in her charitable mission? St. Joseph, you embody the virtues of charity and duty by not allowing such deceptive thoughts to prevail.

Do you permit work to overshadow your responsibilities to your family, falsely believing that your job defines you? Has your professional title become more significant than your roles as father, husband, or son? We pray for the grace to find balance, ensuring our availability to our families, recognizing that "Work is for man, not man for work" 1.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Day 3: Trust in Providence Amidst Trials

And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Luke 2:3-5

St. Joseph, during your arduous journey to Bethlehem, did you face temptations to doubt, questioning whether you would reach your destination and why you were placed in such a challenging situation? Were you tempted to assign blame—to the government, to Mary, or even to God, echoing Adam's response in the Garden? You resisted these temptations, knowing that God had entrusted you with the sacred mission of protecting Mary and the unborn child, and trusting that He would provide for your needs.

Be strong and of good courage; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Do you find yourself blaming external forces, loved ones, or God for your circumstances? Do you allow fear to paralyze you, hindering the fulfillment of the mission God has placed in your heart? We pray for an increase in courage, rooted in unwavering trust in God's providence.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

Day 4: Fortitude in the Face of Rejection

And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

St. Joseph, upon arriving in Bethlehem, you faced the disheartening reality of being unable to find suitable lodging for Mary to give birth. Did you feel the weight of the world's judgment, perceiving yourself as a failure for not providing a more dignified setting for the birth of the Son of God? Did you experience a sense of rejection when turned away from the inn? St. Joseph, you placed your complete trust in God, not allowing worldly expectations to overshadow the sacredness of the event. You marveled at the glory of God in the presence of your foster son, Jesus.

I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Have you experienced rejection, leading you to feel like a failure, or have you been told that you are one? Recognize that such thoughts are lies from the Evil One. Embrace the virtues of fortitude and poverty of spirit, understanding that true strength lies in trusting God's plan, even when faced with adversity.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

Day 5: Obedience and Humility Before God

And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Luke 2:22-24

St. Joseph, in fulfilling the requirements of the Law, you accompanied Mary to the Temple to present the infant Jesus. Were you tempted to feel shame or embarrassment, questioning whether your humble offering was sufficient? Did you worry about the judgment of others, concerned that your poverty would be exposed? Did you struggle with the thought that the Son of God deserved a kingly offering? St. Joseph, you resisted these deceptive thoughts, prioritizing obedience to God's law above worldly concerns.

You understood your obligation to both the Law and to God, and you faithfully fulfilled what was required. Your obedience was rewarded when Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah:

And inspired by the Spirit he came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. Luke 2:27-33

Do you find yourself striving to impress others, caught up in worldly comparisons? Do you allow the opinions of others to dictate your actions, hindering your obedience to God's will? Do you prioritize the approval of earthly authorities over God's? Strive for humility and recognize that true worth lies in faithfulness to God, not in the eyes of the world.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

Day 6: Humility in Receiving God's Gifts

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Matt 2:10-11

St. Joseph, you witnessed the arrival of the Magi, who presented kingly gifts to Jesus, even though He lay in a humble manger. Did pride tempt you to reject their generosity, whispering, "Are you a charity case? Where is your pride?" St. Joseph, you remained steadfast in humility, not allowing the enemy to take root. Help us to recognize and gratefully accept the gifts God provides. The gifts of the Magi symbolize the gifts the Lord desires to receive from us 1.

Do you struggle to receive gifts from God through others, allowing pride to hinder your acceptance? Open your heart to the grace of humility, recognizing that all good things come from God.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

1) Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul - Celebration of Second Vespers (25 January 2022) 3 / Pope Francis

Day 7: Trusting God's Call in Times of Danger

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night, and departed to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt have I called my son.” Matt 2:13-15

St. Joseph, you received a warning from an angel about the imminent danger posed by Herod. Promptly, you gathered your family, seeking to protect them. Were you tempted by doubts, questioning whether this flight was truly God's will? Did the arduous journey lead you to second-guess your path? Despite these challenges, you placed your trust in God's providence 1. As you fled to Egypt, Herod's evil plan resulted in the tragic Massacre of the Holy Innocents.

Do you struggle to lead your family away from spiritual or physical danger? Have you experienced a loss of innocence, either your own or that of your children? God offers healing for these wounds. Ask St. Joseph to enfold you in his protective cloak and guide you to his Son, Jesus, the Divine Physician.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us. 1) General Audience of 29 December 2021: Catechesis on Saint Joseph - 5. Saint Joseph, persecuted and courageous migrant / Pope Francis

Day 8: Fortitude and Belonging in God's Plan

When Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus reigned over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matt 2:19-23

St. Joseph, you provided for your family in Egypt, working diligently and quietly. Did you struggle with feelings of displacement, believing that you didn't belong? Did you feel inadequate, unable to return to your homeland? You remained patient, rejecting these deceptive thoughts, and ensuring that your home was a safe haven for Mary and Jesus 1. You exemplified the virtue of fortitude, awaiting God's guidance 2.

Do you feel isolated and alone, experiencing a sense of not belonging, perhaps even within your own home? Recognize that these feelings are often lies from the devil. You are called, you matter, and you belong to the family of God.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us. 1) Patris Corde 3 / Pope Francis 2) Regarding the Mention of the Divine Name of St. Joseph in the Eucharistic Prayers II, III, and IV / Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments

Day 9: Perseverance and Trust in God's Plan

His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day’s journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:43-46

Saint Joseph, you and Mary searched for Jesus for three long days. Were you filled with self-reproach, believing that you were responsible for His disappearance? Did you fear that you would never find Him? Despite your anxiety, you and Mary persevered and found Him in the Temple. You heard Mary say to Jesus:

“Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” And he said to them, “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:48-49

Did Satan attempt to sow seeds of doubt in your heart, whispering, "See, He isn't truly your son"? St. Joseph, you did not allow injured pride to take root. Instead, you returned home with Jesus, confident and faithful in the knowledge that the Father's will had been fulfilled 2.

Do you ever feel disconnected from your family or lost in life? Do you struggle with a sense of abandonment by God? Know that God loves you and has a unique path for you. Remain obedient to Him, trusting in His divine plan.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ. Prayer: St. Joseph, envelop me in your Holy Cloak and drive away the enemy. Ask Mary to comfort me, and beseech Jesus to heal me from the lies of Satan. May the Holy Spirit reveal my true identity as seen by God the Father. Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us.

1) Catechesis prepared by the Holy Father for the General Audience of 5 March 2025 - Cycle of Catechesis – Jubilee 2025. Jesus Christ our Hope. I. The Infancy of Jesus. 8. “Son, why have you done this to us?” (Lk 2:49). The finding of Jesus in the Temple / Pope Francis 2) Catechesis prepared by the Holy Father for the General Audience of 26 February 2025 - Cycle of Catechesis – Jubilee 2025. Jesus Christ our Hope. I. The Infancy of Jesus. 7. “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Lk 2:30).

Day 10 St. Joseph: A Model for Men in Humility and Service

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:51-52).

St. Joseph, you instructed Jesus in the faith and taught Him your trade. Did you ever question whether you had anything of value to offer the Son of God? St. Joseph, in his humility, understood his duty to teach Jesus the faith and how to provide for Himself and Mary. Jesus was able to live His hidden life for thirty years because of St. Joseph’s provision and strength.

Do you ever feel unworthy, overwhelmed, or ill-equipped to fulfill your responsibilities? Does shame hold you back from guiding your children because of past mistakes? Remember that the Holy Spirit provides the tools you need. Look to St. Joseph, a model of humility, for inspiration. 2 He shows us that even in our imperfections, we can play a vital role in the lives of those we are called to serve. 3 St. Joseph's example demonstrates the ordinary and simple virtues necessary for men to be good and genuine followers of Christ.

Personal Intention: We seek protection and provision for Heroic Men, volunteers, and their families. May the Father bless our efforts to honor St. Joseph and to lead all men to Jesus Christ.

Prayer: St. Joseph, envelop me in your Holy Cloak and drive away the enemy. Ask Mary to comfort me, and beseech Jesus to heal me from the lies of Satan. May the Holy Spirit reveal my true identity as seen by God the Father. Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us. 1) Redemptoris Custos 8 / Pope John Paul II 2) Regarding the Mention of the Divine Name of St. Joseph in the Eucharistic Prayers II, III, and IV / Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments 3) Laudato Si 242 / Pope Francis

Final Task