St. Joseph 14" Figure with Baby Jesus by Roman

St. Joseph
Patron of Fathers, the Church (First Century)

Joseph was a just man, who worked as a carpenter in the little

village of Nazareth.  According to the New Testament, he

was a descendant from the royal house of David and

betrothed to Mary during the time of the Annunciation.

When Joseph found out that Mary had conceived a child before

they were married, he was greatly distressed.  Because he was a kind

man, he wished to end their betrothal quietly, and spare Mary any

shame, but an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream to guide him

and to calm his fears.  The angel told Joseph that Mary's child had

been conceived by the holy Spirit and was the long awaited

Messiah who would save his people from their sins.  Moved and

overjoyed at this news, Joseph, without hesitation, obeyed God and

took Mary as his wife.  Joseph proved himself to be the faithful

protector of Mary and her Son.  He cared for Mary during the

birth of Jesus, and obeyed God's angel once more when he took his

family on a difficult journey to Egypt to escape Herod, who wished

to murder Jesus.

As Jesus' father, it was Joseph's duty to guide Jesus and educate

Him on the scriptures.  Because God chose Joseph as the steadfast

guardian of Jesus on earth, he is also patron of the Universal

Church as well as the special protector of fathers of families. 

Joseph is also considered the patron of departing souls, as it is

believed that Joseph died in the arms of Jesus and Mary, years

before Jesus began his preaching.  He is often invoked by those

seeking a peaceful passing.

Feast day: March 19