St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holds a unique and revered place in Christian tradition. Despite not uttering a single word in the Bible, his life and actions speak volumes about his character and faith.
St. Joseph was a humble carpenter from Nazareth, chosen by God to be the guardian of Jesus and Mary. His unwavering faith and obedience to God’s will are evident in his acceptance of Mary as his wife, despite the mysterious circumstances of her pregnancy.
According to the Gospels, Joseph was a descendant of King David and was betrothed to Mary when he discovered she was with child by the Holy Spirit. Guided by an angel in a dream, he accepted his role as the foster father of Jesus and protector of the Holy Family.
Joseph’s protective nature is highlighted in his prompt actions to safeguard his family, such as fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s wrath. His life, though not extensively detailed in the Scriptures, is marked by his unwavering faith, obedience, and humility.
St. Joseph’s significance to Catholics is profound. He is seen as a model of fatherhood, a protector of the Church, and a powerful intercessor. His silent yet strong presence in the life of Jesus and Mary exemplifies the virtues of patience, courage, and unwavering faith in God’s plan. St. Joseph is often referred to as the “Guardian of the Redeemer” and the “Terror of Demons.”
Pope Francis proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” on the 8 December 2020 “to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal,”
While apparitions of St. Joseph are less frequent than those of the Virgin Mary, they are significant and have been approved by the Church:
- Apparition to St. Teresa of Ávila: St. Joseph appeared to St. Teresa in the 16th century, providing her with guidance and support in her efforts to reform the Carmelite Order.
- Apparition at Knock, Ireland: In 1879, St. Joseph appeared alongside the Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist, and the Lamb of God at the Knock Shrine.
- Apparitions in Ita Piranga, Brazil: Between 1994 and 1998, St. Joseph appeared with Mary and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of devotion to his Most Chaste Heart.
- Apparition to St. Gertrude the Great: In the 13th century, St. Joseph appeared to St. Gertrude, revealing his glory and the profound respect he holds among the saints.
St. Joseph is the patron saint of a wide array of causes and groups, reflecting his diverse roles and virtues, such as the Universal Church, fathers and families, workers and carpenters, immigrants and refugees, the sick and dying, a happy death.
The Catholic Church honours St. Joseph with two principal feast days:
March 19: The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, celebrates his role as the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus.
May 1: The Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, highlights Joseph’s role as a humble labourer and the dignity of human work.
St. Joseph’s exemplary life and his role as the protector of the Holy Family make him a fitting patron for many churches. Naming churches after St. Joseph serves as a reminder of his virtues and his powerful intercession. His universal patronage and the Church’s deep veneration for him have led to numerous dedications in his honour worldwide.
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me. Amen.