Member of the Sanhedrin in Israel during the life of Jesus. He was a secret disciple of Christ, meeting him by night to avoid the wrath of the other members of the Sanhedrin, and eventually spoke out to that body to remind them that Jesus had a right to a hearing. With Saint Joseph of Arimathea he prepared Jesus’ body and placed him in the tomb. There was an apocryphal “gospel” that was purported to have been written by him; it is sometimes entitled the Acts of Pilate. Tradition says he was a martyr, though no details have survived.
Prayer to Saint Nicodemus
Merciful God, whose servant Nicodemus was a secret disciple of Christ, meeting him by night to avoid the wrath of the other members of the Sanhedrin, and eventually spoke out to that body to remind them that Jesus had a right to a hearing and with reverence and godly fear prepared the body of our Lord and Savior for burial, and laid it in his own tomb: Grant to us, your faithful people, grace and courage to love and serve Jesus with sincere devotion all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever.
Prayer of St. Nicodemus the Hagiorite for the Nativity of Christ
Jesus, Son of the Father without mother according to divinity, I glorify You the eternal one Who is above every cause and word.
Jesus, Son of a Mother without father according to humanity, I glorify You Who became man for us.
Jesus, Emmanuel unchanged, for You are the message-bearer of the great message of salvation, I thank You for Your great love for man.
Jesus, spotless Lamb of God, I ever confess You, for I am the lost sheep.
Jesus, most-compassionate Comforter, make the grace of Your Spirit to work within me.
Jesus, new Adam, remove from me the old man, and establish in me the new.
Jesus, You Who descended to earth, make me worthy to have my habitation in the heavens.
Jesus, You Who took on human nature, make me a partaker in the grace of theosis.
Jesus, my breath, come to visit me.
St. Joseph of Arimathea
– August 31
St. Joseph of Arimathea
Feast Day: August 31
Patron of: funeral directors, pallbearers, tin miners and tin smiths
Saint Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, was a secret disciple of Jesus who found courage after the Crucifixion. He boldly asked Pontius Pilate for Jesus’ body, helped wrap it in linen with Nicodemus, and placed it in his own new tomb, fulfilling prophecy and honoring the Lord with great love. The Church venerates him as a saint for his courage, compassion, and faithful service in the darkest moment of Christ’s Passion.
🌟 Famous Quotes by St. Joseph of Arimathea
“It’s nothing, compared to what Jesus gave me”
“Let us not hesitate to serve Christ with what we have, for He has given us everything”
“I believe, whoever sees the Grail will find it agreeable”:
PRAYERS
Prayer to Saint Joseph of Arimathea
Dear Lord Jesus, we pray for the intercession and guidance of Saint Joseph of Arimathea, that we will we see clearly as he did and not be spiritually blind as so many of his brethren were. Amen.
PRAYER: God, You alone are holy and without You no one is good. Through the intercession of Sts. Joseph and Nicodemus, grant that we may so live as not to be deprived of Your glory. Amen
Intercessory Prayer to St. Joseph of Arimathea and St. Nicodemus
O holy Joseph of Arimathea and faithful Nicodemus, you showed courage when others fled, and devotion when others doubted. With compassion and reverence, you cared for the Sacred Body of our Lord Jesus, preparing Him for burial with love and dignity.
We ask your intercession today: help us to remain steadfast in faith even when the cross seems heavy, courageous in defending the truth even when the world is against us, and tender in our care for the suffering and forgotten.
Obtain for us the grace to honor Christ in our lives, to serve Him in our brothers and sisters, and to find strength in His death and resurrection. May we, like you, never be ashamed to stand beside Jesus in times of trial and darkness.
Through your prayers, may our hearts be filled with reverence for the mysteries of our salvation, and may we one day share in the glory of His resurrection. Amen.
Prayer
Almighty God, You alone are holy and without You no one is good. Through the intercession of Sts. Joseph and Nicodemus, grant that we may so live as not to be deprived of Your glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
NOVENA TO ST. JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
Day 1 — Man of Courage
Opening Prayer:
O God, who strengthened Saint Joseph of Arimathea to stand faithful at the hour of Your Son’s Passion, grant that I may never fear to be known as a follower of Christ.
Meditation:
Saint Joseph, you went to Pilate boldly, unashamed to ask for Jesus’ body. Teach me holy courage when my faith is tested.
Petition:
Saint Joseph of Arimathea, present my intention before the Lord: (state your intention).
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph of Arimathea, pray that I may grow in courage and trust. Amen.
Day 2 — Lover of the Holy Body of Christ
Meditation:
You wrapped the body of Jesus with reverence and love. Help me honor Christ’s presence—especially in the Eucharist and in all who suffer.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph of Arimathea, make my heart tender toward Christ in all His forms. Amen.
Day 3 — Generous Steward
Meditation:
You offered your own new tomb for the Lord. Teach me generosity that costs something, generosity that is real.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph, guide me to give freely as you did. Amen.
Day 4 — Silent Disciple
Meditation:
Though a secret disciple, you stepped into the light at the right moment. Help me grow in quiet fidelity and bold action when God asks.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph, help me follow Christ faithfully in hidden and public ways. Amen.
Day 5 — Witness of Hope
Meditation:
Even in the darkness of Good Friday, you acted in hope. Strengthen me when all seems lost.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph, obtain for me a hope that endures. Amen.
Day 6 — Friend of the Sorrowful
Meditation:
You comforted those who grieved the death of Jesus. Teach me compassion for the sorrowing and the forgotten.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph, make me an instrument of consolation. Amen.
Day 7 — Servant of God’s Timing
Meditation:
You acted swiftly before the Sabbath began. Help me to respond promptly to God’s promptings and opportunities for grace.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph, may I do God’s will without delay. Amen.
Day 8 — Guardian of Sacred Things
Meditation:
Your hands handled the sacred body of Christ. Help me to treat holy things—and holy people—with reverence.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph, intercede that I may live with holiness and humility. Amen.
Day 9 — Companion in Resurrection Faith
Meditation:
Though you buried Jesus, you believed without seeing the Resurrection. Strengthen my faith, especially in times of doubt.
Closing Prayer:
Saint Joseph of Arimathea, faithful disciple and courageous friend of Christ, carry my intention to the risen Lord. Pray that I may love Him more deeply and follow Him more faithfully all my days. Amen.
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