Feast of St. Joseph: Guardian of the Holy Family

Feast Day: March 19
Liturgical Color: White (Symbolizing purity and holiness)
Significance: Honors St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and patron of the Universal Church.

The Feast of St. Joseph is celebrated on March 19 to honor St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This solemnity recognizes Joseph’s faithfulness, humility, and obedience to God's will.

As the Guardian of the Holy Family, St. Joseph was entrusted with the care of Jesus and Mary, making him a model for all fathers, workers, and faithful disciples. He is revered as:

1. The Just and Righteous Man – Who obeyed God without hesitation.
2. The Protector of the Holy Family – Providing for and safeguarding Mary and Jesus.
3. The Patron of the Universal Church – Declared by Pope Pius IX in 1870.
4. The Model of Humility and Work – A patron of workers and those seeking meaningful labor.
5. The Patron of a Happy Death – As he is believed to have died in the presence of Jesus and Mary.

"Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’"

• Joseph’s righteousness is evident in his willingness to follow the Law while also acting with compassion toward Mary.
• He trusted God's message and took Mary as his wife, despite the mystery surrounding her pregnancy.

"Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him."

• Joseph’s obedience and courage saved Jesus from King Herod’s massacre.
• He demonstrates complete trust in God’s plan, leading his family into exile.

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man."

• St. Joseph played a crucial role in raising Jesus, teaching Him the value of work, humility, and devotion.
• Though no words of Joseph are recorded in Scripture, his actions speak louder than words, showing his quiet strength and faithfulness.

St. Joseph is a powerful intercessor and model of virtue:

1. Joseph’s Obedience to God – He followed God's will without hesitation, even when faced with uncertainty.
2. Joseph’s Role in Salvation History – As the earthly father of Jesus, he was part of God's divine plan for redemption.
3. A Model of Holy Fatherhood – He cared for Jesus with tenderness, strength, and wisdom, inspiring fathers today.
4. A Patron of Workers and the Dignity of Labor – As a carpenter, he teaches the value of honest work and serving God through daily duties.

• 9th Century: The first recorded celebration of St. Joseph’s feast began in Egypt.
• 1479: Pope Sixtus IV introduced March 19th as the official feast day in the Roman Calendar.
• 1870: Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the Patron of the Universal Church.
• 1955: Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker (May 1) to emphasize his role as the model of laborers.

• A beautiful table or altar is created in honor of St. Joseph, filled with bread, pastries, and meatless dishes.
• Originating in Sicily, this tradition began as an offering of thanksgiving after St. Joseph was believed to have ended a severe famine.
• Foods typically include:
  • Fava beans (a symbol of abundance)
  • Bread baked in the shape of a staff
  • Pasta with breadcrumbs (representing sawdust from St. Joseph’s work as a carpenter)

• Many parishes offer special Masses in honor of St. Joseph.
• In places like Italy, Spain, and Latin America, processions with statues of St. Joseph are held in the streets.

• Many Catholics pray the Litany of St. Joseph or the Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection.
• The Nine-Day Novena to St. Joseph is a popular devotion leading up to March 19.

• Since St. Joseph provided for Mary and Jesus, his feast day is a time to help those in need, especially the hungry and homeless.

• Attend Mass and entrust yourself to St. Joseph’s intercession.
• Pray the Litany of St. Joseph or the Novena to St. Joseph.
• Perform an act of charity, such as donating food or helping someone in need.
• Honor St. Joseph’s example by working diligently and humbly.
• Encourage fathers and families to seek St. Joseph’s guidance in their roles.

The Feast of St. Joseph is a profound reminder of the quiet yet powerful role of St. Joseph in salvation history. He is a model of faith, obedience, humility, and fatherly care. As the Patron of the Universal Church, he continues to guide and protect all who seek his intercession.