St. Joseph, Husband of Mary
Feast Day: March 19
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” – Matthew 1:20
St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus, is honored for his humility, obedience, and faithful service to God’s plan. His feast day, celebrated on March 19, commemorates his role as the protector of the Holy Family and a model of fatherhood, work, and silent strength.
A Righteous Man Chosen by God
Joseph lived in Nazareth, working as a carpenter. Scripture describes him as a “just man” (Matthew 1:19), faithful to God’s law and guided by righteousness.
When he discovered that Mary was with child by the power of the Holy Spirit, Joseph, in deep humility and mercy, planned to divorce her quietly to protect her from shame. But God intervened through an angel in a dream, telling him, “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.”
Protector of the Holy Family
Joseph obeyed immediately, taking Mary into his home and becoming the earthly guardian of Jesus, the Son of God. He protected Mary and Jesus during their flight into Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution and cared for them as a faithful husband and father upon their return to Nazareth.
Though the Gospels record no words spoken by Joseph, his life speaks powerfully through his actions—quiet obedience, unwavering trust in God, and diligent care for his family.
A Model of Work, Faith, and Fatherhood
Joseph taught Jesus the value of honest labor, working as a carpenter and providing for the Holy Family. He is a model for all workers, showing that labor is a sacred participation in God’s creative work.
As a father, Joseph embodied patience, gentleness, and strength. He nurtured Jesus in His humanity and provided a home filled with love, faith, and stability.
Patron of the Universal Church
St. Joseph was declared Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870, recognizing his role as protector not only of the Holy Family but of the entire Body of Christ. He is also the patron of fathers, workers, carpenters, families, and a happy death, because tradition holds that he died in the presence of Jesus and Mary.
A Witness to Humility and Obedience
St. Joseph’s life reminds the faithful that greatness is found not in worldly recognition but in quiet, faithful service to God’s will. His trust in God and his dedication to his family make him a model for all Christians, especially husbands, fathers, and workers.
St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, pray for us!
