What are the origins of St. Joseph's title "Guardian of Virgins"?

What are the origins of St. Joseph's title “Guardian of Virgins”?

In 1909, Pope St. Pius X approved The Litany of St. Joseph for public use, but the origins of the title Guardian of Virgins (Custos virginum) is much older.

Devotion towards St. Joseph slowly developed over the centuries, but in the 17th century, it started to blossom.

The origins of this title certainly dates back to the 1600s.

The Miraculous History of the Cord

This beautiful devotion began almost 400 years ago in the small town of Antwerp, Belgium. An Augustinian nun named Sr. Elizabeth was suffering from a mysterious and painful illness; doctors admitted that it would most likely lead to her death. Having a special devotion to St. Joseph, she asked that a cord be blessed in his honor. She wrapped this cord around her waist. A few days later, her pain disappeared while she was praying for St. Joseph’s intercession. Multiple doctors—including a Protestant doctor—accessed her case and proclaimed her cure to be miraculous.

Almost 200 years later, the miracle was publicized—particularly in Verona, Italy—and in March of 1842, this devotional cord was adopted by a hospital in Verona and distributed to its patients. On September 19, 1859, the devotion of St. Joseph’s cord was officially adopted; a blessing formula created; indulgences added by Pope Pius IX; and widespread private use permitted.

The White Cord of St Joseph is piously used not only as a remedy against physical ailments, but as a support in living the virtues of chastity and purity of heart.

Graces Associated with the Cord

There are five primary graces attached to the wearing of the cord and the pious recitation of the corresponding prayers:

1. St. Joseph's special protection

2. Purity of soul

3. The grace of chastity

4. Final perseverance

5. Particular assistance at the hour of death

The following is recommended for this devotional:

The Cord of St. Joseph should be of thread or cotton, ending at one extremity in seven knots, indicative of the Seven Joys and Sorrows of St. Joseph. It is worn as a girdle for purity or chastity and humility, and around the shoulders for obedience. It ought to be blessed by a priest with the faculties for this blessing. Pius IX approved a special formula for the blessing of the cord of St. Joseph. The daily commitments associated with the devotion are to pray seven Glory Be's along with a prayer to St. Joseph for Purity:

O Guardian of Virgins and holy Father St. Joseph, into whose faithful keeping were entrusted Christ Jesus, Innocence Itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, I pray and beseech thee by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that, being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.

The title and origins of Guardian of Virgins goes back a least to Father Jean-Jacques Olier, S.S., (20 September 1608 – 2 April 1657):

Invocations to St. Joseph

By Father Olier

Hail Joseph, image of God the Father.

Hail Joseph, father of God the Son.

Hail Joseph, temple of the Holy Ghost.

Hail Joseph, beloved of the Holy Trinity.

Hail Joseph, most faithful helper in the great plan of Redemption.

Hail Joseph, most worthy spouse of the Virgin Mother.

Hail Joseph, father of all the faithful.

Hail Joseph, guardian of holy virgins.

Hail Joseph, greatest lover of poverty.

Hail Joseph, example of meekness and patience.

Hail Joseph, mirror of humility and obedience.

Blessed art thou among all men.

And blessed are thine eyes, which have seen what thou hast seen.

And blessed are thine ears, which have hears what thou hast heard.

And blessed are thy hands, which have touched the Word Incarnate.

And blessed are thine arms, which have carried the One Who carries all things.

And blessed is thy breast, on which the Son of God most sweetly reposed.

And blessed is thy heart, kindled with most ardent love.

And blessed be the Eternal Father, Who chose thee.

And blessed be the Son, Who loved thee.

And blessed be the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified thee.

And blessed be Mary, thy spouse, who loved thee as a spouse and a brother.

And blessed be the Angel who guarded thee.

And blessed be forever all who bless thee and who love thee.

St. Joseph