Today, March 19th, is the feast day of St. Joseph!
The month of March is known in the Catholic Church as being the month of St. Joseph. Saint Joseph was the husband of Mary, and the earthly father to Jesus. Saint Joseph owned a carpentry shop in Nazareth where he worked hard to provide for his family. Jesus often spent time with his father in the carpentry shop and would help him as well.
“God chose to make Joseph his most tangible image on earth, the depository of all the rights of his divine paternity, the husband of that noble Virgin who is Mistress of Angles and men.” ~Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.
After Mary, Saint Joseph is the greatest saint that was ever born. The Angel of the Lord appeared to St. Joseph many times in his dreams and gave him orders that he followed without question. ‘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. He had no relations with her until she bore a son and he named him Jesus.” ~ Mt 1:20-25. St. Joseph was a just and holy man and a good protecter of his family.
Many saints throughout history have written about St. Joseph including, St. Basil, St. Annibale Maria Di Francia, St. John Paul the 2nd, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, and so many more. Saint Joseph is truly one of the greatest saints in the history of mankind. Although not many details are known are about his life or his death, it is believed he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Saint Joseph is our spiritual father and is always willing to help us whenever we need. He is the Patron of the Universal Church, families, a happy death, fathers, and workers. There are many books, litanies, and prayers to St. Joseph, including the litany for the month of March: https://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/litany-of-st-joseph.html. If you are looking for a book to read about St. Joseph, ‘Consecration to St. Joseph’ By Fr. Donald Calloway, is a wonderful read and has many prayers, quotes from saints, and the wonders of our Spiritual Father.
