Solemnity of Saint Joseph | 2021

March 19th

Saint Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the designs of Providence he was destined to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His high privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus." About him Sacred Scripture has little more to say than that he was a just man-an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his high trust of protecting and guarding Jesus and Mary.

The darkest hours of his life may well have been when he first learned of Mary's pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph demonstrated his faithfulness. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential import. Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah's virgin birth. After this, he modestly retires into the background of Sacred Scripture.

Of St. Joseph's death the Bible tells us nothing. There are indications, however, that he died before the beginning of Christ's public life. He died, in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Humbly and unknown, he passed his years at Nazareth, silent and almost forgotten he remained in the background through centuries of Church history. Only in more recent times has he been accorded greater honor. Liturgical veneration of St. Joseph began in the 15th century, fostered by Saints. Brigid of Sweden and Bernadine of Siena. Saint Teresa did much to further devotion to him as well.

On March 19 our veneration is directed to him personally and to his part in the work of redemption, while on May 1 we honor him as the patron of workmen throughout the world and as our guide in establishing equitable norms regarding obligations and rights in the social order. St. Joseph, pray that we might be faithful to God's will in all things as you were.

Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch. 

St. Joseph is invoked as patron for many causes. He is the patron of the Universal Church. He is the patron of the dying because Jesus and Mary were at his death-bed. He is also the patron of fathers, of carpenters, of seminarians, and of social justice. Many religious orders, communities, and Catholic institutions of learning are placed under his patronage.

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Prayer for St. Joseph's Intercession 

Grant, we pray, almighty God and Father, that by the intercession of your devoted servant Saint Joseph your Church may constantly watch over the unfolding of the mysteries of human salvation, whose beginnings you entrusted to his unfailing care. We humbly ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.