The Bible does not record anything that St. Joseph said but his actions show that he trusted God and was obedient to his will. Described in Scripture as a just and righteous man, he is the most highly honored saint besides Mary.
A descendant of King David, St. Joseph was chosen by God to be the faithful spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and devoted earthly father of Jesus.
While betrothed to each other, St. Joseph learned that Mary was pregnant. Uncertain at first, he decided to divorce her quietly to spare her shame but was encouraged to take his wife into his home by an angel.
To enroll in the Roman census, St. Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem where the child was born and he named him Jesus. Warned by an angel after the visit of the Magi, He fled to Egypt with his family to keep Jesus safe from King Herod.
St. Joseph honored Mary’s desire to remain a virgin even after Jesus was born. He loved her in a chaste and self-sacrificial way that brought them together without physical intimacy.
St. Joseph worked as a carpenter in Nazareth to support and provide for the Holy Family, teaching the same trade to Jesus.
According to tradition, St. Joseph died on March 19 in the arms of Jesus and Mary, shortly before Jesus began his public ministry.
As the guardian and protector of Mary and Jesus, St. Joseph is an example and patron saint of many causes including husbands, fathers, families, married couples, children, pregnant women, and the universal Church.
On March 19, the Catholic Church celebrates St. Joseph as the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Though not a holy day of obligation, the feast is a solemnity, the highest liturgical rank afforded to saints.
Chosen by God to be the husband of his mother:
St. Joseph also said, “Yes.”:
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name Him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
Matthew 1: 18-24
Honoring St. Joseph as a faithful and devoted husband:
St. Joseph put Mary at the center of his life:
Mary found found everything in the loving care of her husband:
To the shepherds, the angel announced the birth of Jesus as the Messiah promised to Israel: “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” From the beginning He was “the One whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world”, conceived as “holy” in Mary’s virginal womb. God called Joseph to “take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit”, so that Jesus, “Who is called Christ”, should be born of Joseph’s spouse into the messianic lineage of David.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 437
The husband of Mary was a just man:
St. Joseph balanced righteousness and mercy:
The special motives for which St. Joseph has been proclaimed Patron of the Church, and from which the Church looks for singular benefit from his patronage and protection, are that Joseph was the spouse of Mary and that he was reputed the Father of Jesus Christ. From these sources have sprung his dignity, his holiness, his glory. In truth, the dignity of the Mother of God is so lofty that naught created can rank above it. But as Joseph has been united to the Blessed Virgin by the ties of marriage, it may not be doubted that he approached nearer than any to the eminent dignity by which the Mother of God surpasses so nobly all created natures. For marriage is the most intimate of all unions which from its essence imparts a community of gifts between those that by it are joined together. Thus in giving Joseph the Blessed Virgin as spouse, God appointed him to be not only her life’s companion, the witness of her maidenhood, the protector of her honor, but also, by virtue of the conjugal tie, a participator in her sublime dignity.
Pope Leo XIII, Quamquam Pluries, 15 August 1889
Behind Mary, he is the most revered among the saints:
St. Joseph is concerned for all of the members of the Church:
Celebrating St. Joseph at his home in Nazareth:
The Truth, Goodness, and Beauty of the Catholic Church
Staying faithful despite the weeds:
Share this page with friends and family to start a conversation about your faith.
Don’t miss a post. Learn more about the Catholic Church and strengthen your Catholic faith.
Find more Fiercely Catholic video issues here.
Subscribe here.
