Joseph’s generosity and greatness are revealed in these few words. But Joseph went further in the gift of self by agreeing to become the real father of this child who was sent to save humanity. He served God’s purpose with dignity and deeply loved this Emmanuel, Jesus, God-with-us.

Joseph’s entire life as a labourer born into a modest home embodies the sanctity of daily life. He is a model for ordinary people who are called upon to live their lives as God’s children, through good and bad days, with simplicity and discretion.

Knowledge:

Saint Joseph supports believers in many aspects of their lives. He has many designations: Guardian of the Pure in Heart, Hope of the Sick, Consolation of the Afflicted and Patron of the Dying. He is also known as a Model of Workers, Protector of the Church, Support of Families, and Terror of Demons. These multiple designations reveal a saint who is present in our daily lives, in times of suffering, and in the fears and hopes of those who pray.

Just as Mary guides us from heaven with loving devotion, so too St. Joseph diligently provides for the needs of the family of God, the Holy Catholic Church.

Because of his special role as foster-father of the Child Jesus, St. Joseph has merited singular privileges in heaven unmatched by any saint excepting the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Working with Saint Joseph:

Say a daily prayer or litany to St Joseph

Dear St. Joseph, humble and obedient servant of God. I come before you seeking your powerful intercession.

Pray for me that I may live faithfully my personal vocation and mission. Help me to embrace silence so that I may hear the voice of Christ in my life so that he may guide me on the path he has chosen for me.

Equip me with the skills I need to accomplish my life’s work and protect me from worldly distractions that drive me away from God’s will.

In imitation of you St. Joseph, may I live by faith, humility, and obedience, submitting my mind and heart to God with complete trust and confidence in Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen!

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Place an image or statue of St Joseph in your home

Pray a 9 day Novena to St. Joseph

Make Wednesdays special as it is the day of the week devoted to St. Joseph

With prayer and fasting, offer up your intentions to St. Joseph.

About:

• March 19 as the spouse of the Virgin Mary and patron saint of Canada
• May 1 as Model of Workers.

More:

1. In 1955, an additional feast day was declared by Pope Pius XII and is celebrated on May 1 as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. This date is also International Workers’ Day and believed to reflect Joseph as the patron saint of workers. The statue in front of Barbelin Hall of St. Joseph the Worker was donated by students of The Evening School who studied in the evenings after work.
2. Symbols associated with Joseph include the carpenter’s square and lily. The carpenter’s square not only symbolizes Joseph’s trade but also the concept of truth. The lily, which can also be seen in the Saint Joseph’s University logo over the letter J, represents purity and Joseph’s celibate marriage to the Virgin Mary.
3. Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers and working people, among others. In the grotto behind the Chapel of Saint Joseph stands a statue of St. Joseph the Dreamer. Serving as a space for personal retreat, prayer and reflection, the grotto features a light that is always on.
4. Joseph is also considered to be the patron saint of the New World, China, Canada, Korea, Mexico, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Peru, Vietnam and several cities and dioceses. Inside the Chapel of Saint Joseph is an image of a sleeping St. Joseph, a weary traveler fleeing with his family to Egypt – and a replica of one Pope Francis keeps in his room. The pope places notes of special intercession on pieces of paper under the statue. Visitors to the chapel can do the same, placing their intentions under the statue, asking the fatherly saint to intercede to God for a special need.