Confraternities and archconfraternities
Pious Union of Saint Joseph
Pious Union of St Joseph, Patron of the Suffering and Dying · PUSJ
Bl. Luigi Guanella founded itSt Pius X approved it
Servants of Charity (Guanellians), Shrine of St Joseph, Grass Lake, Michigan.
At a shrineBelongs to Servants of Charity (Guanellians), Shrine of St Joseph, Grass Lake, Michigan.
Open to anyone, today
Free online form.
Enroll nowFill in the online membership form on the shrine's site, or write to the shrine; a freewill donation can be added afterwards but is explicitly not required.
This is a confraternity of prayer for people who are suffering and for people who are dying today, anywhere in the world. There is exactly one commitment, and it is a single sentence you say each day: O St Joseph, foster father of Jesus Christ and true spouse of the Virgin Mary, pray for us and for the suffering and dying of this day. Members honour St Joseph on 19 March and on Wednesdays, and the shrine offers Masses and adoration for the same intention. People join because the ask is tiny, the intention is urgent, and it costs nothing.
Where it comes from
Begun by Bl. Luigi Guanella and given canonical recognition by Pope St Pius X on 12 February 1914. Approved in the United States in 1987 by Bishop Kenneth J. Povish of Lansing, Michigan.
What you promise
One thing only: recite the Pious Union prayer to St Joseph every day for the benefit of the suffering and the dying. Members are also encouraged to honour St Joseph on his feast day, 19 March, and on Wednesdays, and to offer their good works for the dying.
What the Church attaches
A share in the prayers and good works of the Pious Union's priests, religious and lay members. The shrine offers Mass and Eucharistic adoration for the intention, and separate Gregorian, Triduum, individual Mass and Book of the Innocents enrollments are available for named people, living and dead.
Enrollment checked 2026-10-22. Details change without notice and parish practice varies. Confirm before relying on this sheet.