Saint Joseph’s Story
Husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, a carpenter by trade, a simple blue collar worker. He was a “just” man, he was beyond faithfulness in paying debts, who was completely open to all that God wanted to do for him. He became holy by accepting himself totally to the will of God and following His will.
His love and obedience to God wooed and won Mary's heart, and they shared deep love during their marriage. It's no denial in Joseph’s holiness that he decided to divorce Mary when she was pregnant with a child. He planned to do it in secret because "he was a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to shame” (Matthew 1:19). It's said he received many warnings and comforting messages from God and Angels through his dreams.
He was simply, joyfully, wholeheartedly obedient to God in marrying Mary, in naming Jesus, in taking them both to Egypt, in bringing them back to Nazareth, and during the indefinite number of years of quiet faith and heroism. This holy family was a very simple and humble family, at the point that when Jesus began His public ministry, many questioned Jesus authorities: “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary…?” (Matthew 13:55a), “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46b).
Reflexions
We know very little about Joseph's life, the Bible doesn't have much information about his life and whereabouts, especially after returning to Nazareth, only in the event when Jesus is found in the Temple (Luke 2:41–51). Saint Joseph devotion runs deep, he's very popular and a powerful Saint. He is the Patron Saint of Carpenters, Fathers, Happy death, Social Justice, Travelers, Universal Church, Workers, and countries as Belgium, Canada, Peru, Russia, China and Vietnam and he died before Jesus starting his public ministry.
Prayer to St. Joseph
O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, so that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for me.
