Traditional Roman Catholicism
Prayers To Saint Joseph
The primary feast of St. Joseph is March 19
because it is believed that his death occurred on that
date.
This feast was fixed in the 15th century and was
extended to the whole Church by Pope Gregory XV in  
1621.

On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 1870,
Pope Pius IX ordered that St. Joseph's feast day was to
be a double of the first class.
Holy Mother Church dedicates the entire month of
March to St. Joseph, as well as the First Wednesdays

May 1 was established as the Feast of
St. Joseph the Workman by Pope Pius XII in 1955,
chosen to coincide with Labor days in many nations.
SAINT JOSEPH
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin,
Virginal Father of Jesus
and Patron of the Universal Church
(† ca. 30)

Saint Joseph was by birth of the royal family of David, but was living in humble obscurity as a carpenter,
until God raised him to the highest office ever accorded a mortal man, by choosing him to be the spouse of
the Virgin Mother, the virginal father and guardian of the Incarnate Word. Joseph, says Holy Scripture, was
a just man. He was innocent and pure, as became the husband of Mary; he was gentle and tender, as one
worthy to be named the father of Jesus; he was prudent and a lover of silence, as became the master of
the holy house; above all, he was faithful and obedient to divine calls.

His conversation was with Angels rather than with men. When he learned that Mary bore within Her womb
the Lord of heaven, he feared to take Her as his wife; but an Angel bade him put his fear aside, and all
doubts vanished. When Herod sought the life of the divine Infant, an Angel told Joseph in a dream to fly
with the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Joseph at once arose and obeyed. This sudden and unexpected
flight must have exposed both him and his little Family to many inconveniences and sufferings; the journey
with a newborn infant and a tender virgin was long, and the greater part of the way led through deserts
and among strangers. Yet Saint Joseph alleges no excuses, nor inquires at what time they were to return.

Saint Chrysostom observes that God treats in this way all His servants, sending them frequent trials to
clear their hearts from the rust of self-love, but intermixing with afflictions, seasons of consolation. It is the
opinion of the Fathers that when the Holy Family entered Egypt, at the presence of the Child Jesus all the
oracles of that superstitious country were struck dumb, and the statues of their gods trembled, and in
many places fell to the ground. The Fathers also attribute to this holy visit the spiritual benediction poured
on that country, which made it for many ages fruitful in Saints.

After the death of King Herod, of which Saint Joseph was informed in another vision, God ordered him to
return with the Child and His Mother into the land of Israel, which our Saint readily accomplished. But when
he arrived in Judea, hearing that Archelaus had succeeded Herod in that part of the land, and apprehensive
that the son might be infected with his father’s vices, he feared to settle there, as he would otherwise
probably have done, for the education of the Child. Therefore, directed by God through still another angelic
visit, he retired into the dominions of Herod Antipas in Galilee, and to his former habitation in Nazareth.

Saint Joseph, a strict observer of the Mosaic law, journeyed each year at the time of the Passover to
Jerusalem. Our Saviour, in the twelfth year of His age, accompanied His parents. Having participated in the
usual ceremonies of the feast, the parents were returning with many of their neighbors and acquaintances
towards Galilee, and never doubted that Jesus was with some of the company. They traveled on for a
whole day’s journey before they discovered that He was not with them. But when night came on and they
could find no trace of Him among their kindred and acquaintances, they, in the deepest affliction, returned
with the utmost haste to Jerusalem. We are left to imagine their tears and their efforts to find Him. After an
anxious search of three days they discovered Him in the Temple, discoursing with the learned doctors of
the law, and asking them such questions as aroused the admiration of all who heard Him. His Mother told
Him with what grief and earnestness they had sought Him and asked, “Son, why have You dealt with us in
this way? Behold, Your Father and I have searched for You in great affliction of mind.” The young Saviour
answered, “How is it that You sought Me? Did You not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
In this way Jesus encourages all young persons who are called to serve God to persevere in that high
vocation, whatever the cost. But we are told that although He had remained in the Temple unknown to His
parents, in all other things He was obedient to them, returning with them to Nazareth, and living there in all
dutiful subjection to them.

As no further mention is made of Saint Joseph, he must have died before the marriage feast of Cana and
the beginning of our divine Saviour’s ministry. We cannot doubt that he had the happiness of the presence
of Jesus and Mary at his death, praying beside him, assisting and comforting him in his last moments;
therefore he is invoked for the great grace of a happy death and the spiritual presence of Jesus in that
hour.
The words of the Pharaoh to those who applied to him for aid, “Go to Joseph” are fitting for the
second great Joseph of sacred history. Saint Teresa of Avila said she never had recourse to him
in vain. Saint Joseph, vicar of the Eternal Father upon earth, protector of Jesus in His home at
Nazareth, and affectionate lover of all children for the sake of the Holy Child, should be the chosen
guardian and model of every true Christian family.