Saint Joseph: The Virgin Father of Jesus and husband of Mary

Saint Joseph in the Gospels

Matthew presents Joseph as a descendant of David, a carpenter from Nazareth who, in a dream, received the mission to take Mary as his wife and give Jesus the name. Luke mentions Joseph in two episodes: the Nativity and the Meeting in the Temple. In both, Joseph acts in silence but with decisive responsibility.

Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church

Pope Pius IX proclaimed Saint Joseph patron of the Universal Church in 1870. John Paul II, in his Exhortation Redemptoris Custos (1989), dedicated an entire document to Joseph. Francis, in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (2020), proposed Joseph as a model of humility, welcome, and creative service.

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Magisterium of the Church

Joseph, a righteous man (Mt 1,19), was chosen by God to be the guardian of the Holy Family and protector of the Mother and Child: his humility and faith offer an example to Christian spouses.
– St. John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos, n. 1 (August 15, 1989)

Translation: Joseph, a just man (Mt 1:19), was chosen by God to be the guardian of the Holy Family and protector of the Mother and Son; his humility and faith serve as an example for Christian spouses.

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