St. Joseph

Catholics celebrate two feast days for St. Joseph. One is on March 19 as the husband of Mary, and one is on May 1 as the patron saint of workers. As the husband of Mary and the chosen father of Jesus, St. Joseph is at the heart of both the Holy Family and the story of salvation itself.

Joseph’s work had a special purpose, which was to raise and educate the Son of God. Joseph’s work also helped form Jesus’ identity. Although Joseph’s fatherhood transmitted Jesus’ royal title “Son of David,” Joseph’s work gave Jesus the identity “son of the carpenter.”

Joseph said yes and said it often, as God’s plan unfolded before him over the course of his life. There is much to be gleaned from exploring the life and labor of St. Joseph.