Saint Joseph: The Virginal Father of Jesus and Spouse of Mary

Saint Joseph, the Virginal Father of Jesus and Spouse of Mary

Saint Joseph is the spouse of Mary and the virginal father of Jesus, a silent but essential figure in the history of salvation. Josephology is the theological discipline that studies Saint Joseph within the field of Mariology. For the full article: Josephology, the Theology of Saint Joseph.

Joseph in the Gospels

Matthew presents Joseph as a descendant of David, a craftsman of Nazareth who received in a dream the mission of taking Mary as his wife and of giving Jesus His name. Luke mentions Joseph in two episodes: the Nativity and the Finding in the Temple. In both, Joseph acts in silence, yet with decisive responsibility.

Patron of the Universal Church

Pius IX proclaimed Saint Joseph patron of the Universal Church in 1870. John Paul II, in the exhortation Redemptoris Custos (1989), devoted an entire document to Joseph. Francis, in the apostolic letter Patris Corde (2020), proposed Joseph as a model of humility, acceptance, and creative service.

Deepen your studies: explore Mariology, Marian Theology, Marian apparitions, and the Postgraduate Program in Mariology.

Magisterium of the Church

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

S. Ioannes Paulus II, Ext. Ap. Redemptoris Custos, n. 1 (15 augusti 1989)

📚 Literal 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 of the Son: his humility and faith give an example to Christian spouses.