TRIBUTE TO SAINT JOSEPH ON HIS SOLEMNITY: MARCH 19

I know a saintly man whom the world often overlooks. Yet, he was a just man – an undeniable truth affirmed by Sacred Scripture (cf. Matt. 1:19). He was given the singular honour of being called the Father of Jesus (cf. Matt. 13:55), not by natural generation but as the earthly reflection of the Fatherhood of God. He was the chaste and courageous spouse of the Virgin Mary, chosen to be her guardian and protector, embracing his vocation with trust in divine providence (cf. Matt. 1:20).

It was he, who bestowed the name “Jesus” upon the Saviour at His circumcision, in obedience to the angel’s command (cf. Luke 2:21). He was the diligent carpenter (cf. Matt. 13:55) who laboured with integrity, providing for the Holy Family and teaching the Christ-child the dignity of human work – “training his strong hands at the plane and the lathe.” Thus, Jesus Himself was later known as “the carpenter” (cf. Mark 6:3), making this Saint the model of all workers and the patron of labourers, especially the unemployed.

Obedient to the divine will, he safeguarded the Infant Jesus from the murderous threat of Herod by leading the Holy Family into Egypt (cf. Matt. 2:13-15). With the same lively faith, he brought them back to Nazareth upon receiving the angel’s instruction (cf. Matt. 2:19-23), ensuring that the Son of God grew in wisdom and stature under his watchful care. What a man of quiet strength and unparalleled trust in God!

This is the man whom the eternal Son of God obeyed and lived under his authority (cf. Luke 2:51), the one whom Jesus called “Father” in His earthly home. Though Sacred Scripture records no words spoken by him, his silent witness speaks volumes through his faith, fidelity, and selfless service. According to tradition, he died in the loving arms of Jesus and Mary before the Lord’s public ministry, making him the patron of a happy death.

His name is Joseph!

If I were to recount all his virtues, the pages of the world would not suffice.

O, Saint Joseph! If you have done all these and more, how can I not celebrate you? If men and women honour their earthly fathers for their sacrifices and guidance, how much more should we extol you, who faithfully raised the Christ-child by the grace of God? As an Oblate of Saint Joseph, it would be unthinkable for me to let this day pass without spreading your devotion and striving to imitate your heroic virtues. For you, chosen by divine providence, played an indispensable role in the economy of salvation.

And so, today, I honour you, O Son of David, chaste spouse of Mary, and guardian of the Redeemer. May your example continue to inspire workers, Fathers, and all who labour with integrity. May your intercession strengthen those who entrust themselves to your care, especially the members of Josephite religious congregations and, in particular, the Oblates of Saint Joseph.

On this solemn day, we beseech you, O God, that by contemplating the life and virtues of Saint Joseph, we may come to a fuller understanding of the Gospel, render due adoration to You, and offer our lives as a pleasing oblation in Your service and for the good of humanity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Pray for us, o blessed Saint Joseph, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

© Fr. Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, OSJ

Paroquia Nossa Senhora de Fatima, Vila Sabrina, São Paulo, Brazil

nozickcjoe@gmail.com / fadacjay@gmail.com