Marcio Vasconcelos
It’s understandable that people would resort to faith when selling a house, since it can be a stressful and uncertain process. Seeking divine intervention to ease the process brings comfort and hope, and one popular tradition involves seeking the aid of Saint Joseph.
Here, we’ll delve into the various aspects of this practice, answering common questions and providing insights into the tradition of praying to Saint Joseph for assistance in selling a house.
What is the Prayer of St Joseph for Selling a House?
O, Saint Joseph,
you who taught our Lord
the carpenter’s trade,
and saw to it
that he was always properly housed,
hear my earnest plea.
I want you to help me now
as you helped your foster-child Jesus,
and as you have helped many others
in the matter of housing.
I wish to sell this [house/property] quickly, easily, and profitably
and I implore you to grant my wish
by bringing me a good buyer,
one who is
eager, compliant, and honest,
and by letting nothing impede the
rapid conclusion of the sale.
Dear Saint Joseph,
I know you would do this for me
out of the goodness of your heart
and in your own good time,
but my need is very great now
and so I must make you hurry
on my behalf.
Saint Joseph, I am going to place you
in a difficult position
with your head in darkness
and you will suffer as our Lord suffered,
until this [house/property] is sold.
Then, Saint Joseph, I swear
before the cross and God Almighty,
that I will redeem you
and you will receive my gratitude
and a place of honor in my home.
Amen.
The prayer of St Joseph to sell a house is a specific invocation seeking the saint's intercession in the quick and profitable sale of a property. Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is revered in Christian tradition as a protector and provider. The prayer is often recited by homeowners looking for help in finding a buyer for their home.
240 Towne St, North Attleboro, MA 02760
783 Washington St #2, Boston, MA 02124
24 Jackson Rd, Chelmsford, MA 01863
Should I bury St Joseph as part of the ritual of selling a house?
Even when rooted in folklore, like the practice of burying a Saint Joseph statue within 3 feet of the "For Sale" sign or buried head-down, facing the home, is thought to accelerate the selling process. This belief in the power of tradition provides a sense of personal control over the sale of your property.
What's the origin of burying a St. Joseph statue to facilitate house sales?
The practice of burying the St. Joseph statue is believed to have started with St. Teresa of Avila in the 1500s. Struggling to locate land for a new convent, she prayed to St. Joseph and buried medals bearing his image, encouraging other nuns to do the same. Soon after, they acquired suitable land, leading to the broader adoption of this practice, which evolved into the burial of statues.
In contemporary times, this tradition transcends strict religious boundaries, with many people, loosely affiliated with religion, believing that burying a St. Joseph statue aids in selling a home. The practice gained popularity in the 1990s, and the demand for these statues remains high, with many sellers buying them online.
The Catholic community, however, has varied views on this ritual. Some see it as a valid expression of faith if the statue's burial is intended as a prayer to St. Joseph. Others compare it to superstitious practices, like carrying a rabbit's foot for luck, which contradicts Church teachings.
Steps-by-step on how to bury St Joseph
Choose where to bury the statue
Choosing the right spot is key. Often, the statue is placed near the road, facing away from the home, symbolizing departure. Alternatively, you can bury it upright, facing your house.
Protect the statue
When burying, encase the statue in a clean cloth to facilitate later retrieval.
Create a burial spot in your front yard
Ideally, dig near your 'For Sale' sign.
Bury upside down
The common belief is that burying the statue head down prompts the saint to rush the sale, so he can right himself.
Remember to unearth the statue
Use a marker or reminder to recall the statue's location.
What else can I do to complement the home for sale ritual?
After reciting the prayer, you might want to engage in a novena - a series of prayers over nine consecutive days, which can be a potent method to achieve your requests:
Day 1
Oh Lord, guide of the attentive and supporter of those who heed your words, speak to me as you did to St. Joseph, aiding me in my tasks.
Day 2
O Lord, lover of your people, blessing our simple, everyday lives. As you favored St. Joseph, bless my endeavors, no matter how modest, and infuse them with love.
Day 3
O Faithful God, you always remember us and reveal your blessings in time. Help me to trust in you as St. Joseph did unwaveringly, and keep my faith in your generous promises.
Day 4
Lord of families, safeguard my own family. Protect us from danger and prevent any harm from dividing us. Let peace persist in our hearts.
Day 5
O God, who cherishes children, bless our children today. Grant them the vision to see beyond, hearts open to life, and a place beside you always.
Day 6
God of our heavenly abode, bless our earthly home. May the spirit of Mary and Joseph dwell with us, shaping our words, actions, and blessing our children.
Day 7
Father God, bestow your paternal spirit on today's fathers. Like Joseph, imbue them with loving devotion for their spouses and children, and the capacity for forgiveness and patience.
Day 8
Provide refuge, O Lord, for those in need, and reunite separated families. Ensure we have sufficient food and honorable work to earn our livelihood. Take care of us, O Lord.
Day 9
Bless all families, especially those facing hardships. In remembering your Son's life, we pray for the impoverished, the homeless, those in exile. Provide them with a guardian like Joseph.
Engaging in this novena prayer for the sale of a house is seen as an act of perseverance to God, demonstrating devotion and faith.
What to Do After the Statue of St Joseph is Buried?
Immediately after burying the statue, it's recommended to offer a prayer to St. Joseph, seeking his aid. You can choose either a traditional, pre-composed prayer or express your personal sentiments in your own words.
Simply burying the Saint Joseph statue as part of the house-selling ritual is not enough to attract buyers on its own. Check our text on "How to sell your house: Clarifying importantes factors" to help you achieve your goals.
What is the Prayer of Saint Joseph?
Apart from the specific prayer for selling a house, there are other prayers to Saint Joseph that are more general, seeking his protection and guidance. These prayers can be recited daily or in times of need.
A General Prayer to Saint Joseph:
Joseph, Guardian of the Pure in Heart
Gentle Joseph, God is captivated by the quality of your soul.
Your entire being is focused on doing his will.
With Mary and Jesus, you answer the Holy Spirit’s call
to lay new foundations for a better world.
With one heart, we join you in saying: “Here we are, Lord,
may your will be done!
May your kingdom come nearer to us!”
Keep the hope of a new world alive in our mind.
Inspire us to speak sensitively to awaken love in hearts.
May we draw the energy for our actions
from the source of all love,
so that our faces may radiate
the freedom of the children of God.
Amen.
People also ask
Do I need to bury a statue of Saint Joseph?
Burying a statue of Saint Joseph is a popular tradition associated with these prayers. It’s believed that burying a small statue of Saint Joseph near the ‘For Sale’ sign, and then digging it up and placing it in a place of honor in the new home, can help speed up the sale. However, this is a tradition and not a mandatory practice.
Can anyone pray to Saint Joseph to sell a house?
Yes, anyone can pray to Saint Joseph regardless of religious background. The practice is rooted in faith and tradition, not in specific religious rules.
How often should I say these prayers?
The frequency of the prayers depends on the individual. Some choose to pray daily, while others may pray more sporadically. The key is the sincerity and faith behind the prayer.
What happens if you don't dig up St. Joseph?
The ritual of burying St. Joseph's statue involves more than just placing it in the ground. There's a belief that if the statue stays buried, the house might become stuck in a continuous cycle of being sold and then repurchased.
