The month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph. On 19th March we celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This date is believed to have been the date of St. Joseph’s death, but that is not certain. In 1955, Pope Pius XII declared an additional feast which is celebrated on 1st May, as the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. This date is also International Workers’ Day and believed to reflect Joseph as the Patron Saint of Workers. He is the Patron Saint of Workers because he taught Jesus the trade and craft of carpentry.
St. Joseph is well known as Patron Saint of Fathers – both of families and virgins, of workers especially carpenters, expectant mothers and unborn children. He is also the Patron Saint of Attorneys, Barristers, Emigrants, Travellers and House Hunters.
St. Joseph was born in 30 B.C. (Before Christ). He died in 20 A.D. at the age of 49. He was the son of Jacob and his spouse was Mary. The circumstances of Joseph’s death are not known except that he probably died before Jesus began his public ministry and was certainly dead before the crucifixion because Jesus gave his mother to John, the disciple he loved, who took her to his own home that day (John 19:26-27).
Joseph’s lineage (line of ancestors) fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would come from the House of David. It was ultimately because of Joseph’s humility and virtue that he was chosen by God to be our Lord’s earthly father.
The Bible tells us nothing aboutJoseph in the years after the return from Egypt to Nazareth. He is last mentioned in the Gospels when he and Mary frantically searched for Jesus and found him in the Temple.
The Bible pays Joseph the highest compliment that he was a “Just” man. By this, the Bible means that he was completely open to all that God wanted to do for him and through him. He became holy by opening himself totally to God.
What can we learn from St. Joseph that can be applied to our family?
- Joseph, the man “who did as the Angel of God commanded him” is an icon of faith. When he found Mary to be with child, he wanted to divorce her. The important word in the Bible is that he planned to do it “quietly” in all secrecy, because he was a righteous man, unwilling to expose Mary to shame (Mt 1:19). He was obedient to God in marrying Mary, in naming Jesus, in shepherding this precious pair to Bethlehem, to Egypt and back to Nazareth, living there in quiet courage for an undetermined number of years. His life is a testament to what it means to live according to God’s Will with one’s mind and heart centered on Jesus Christ.
- There are three critical moments of St. Joseph’s life recorded in the Scriptures i.e. the time of his betrothal to Mary; the moment he learns she is with child; and the revelation in a dream about her condition. Each offers us a glimpse of the virtues of this labourer and outstanding Jewish man. They indicate the shift that must occur in our own lives, when God asks us to do the things we least imagine.
- According to Catholic belief God chose Joseph to be the earthly father of Jesus because of his exceptional qualities of humility, obedience, unwavering faith; the perfect man to provide a stable and loving home for Mary, protecting and nurturing Jesus as he grew up. He was devoted to his spouse Mary which is essential in married life.
- St. Joseph’s role on earth was to lead, provide, protect, guide and love his spouse and his earthly son. He does the same for the Church, the bride of Christ, from heaven.
- The weight of St. Joseph’s mission, the importance of its purpose and the corresponding Grace that God the Father bestowed on St. Joseph cause demons to fear him.
- St. Joseph is the model of a holy husband and father, who practices obedience, faith, patience and chastity, shouldering his responsibilities. He worked hard that “Work” is forever identified with his name. St. Joseph didn’t raise merely Jesus according to God’s plan: he raises every Christian. The attentive care he lavished on Mary and Jesus, he continues to pour on us. He longs to help us to live and express our faith.
In every need, I encourage you to look up to St Joseph who lived so close to Jesus and Mary. Ask his prayers for protection of your marriage, for your children’s vocation and their future spouses to be holy. Ask for your daily needs and an Eucharistic Death for yourself and those you love. Always have confidence when you “go to St. Joseph”.
I wish you and your family the Love, Protection and abundant blessings of St. Joseph.
J. Rodrigues