Who was St Joseph
Today we celebrate St Joseph who has been Patron of the Universal Church for 150 years. But who was Joseph?
Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter ‘Patris Corde’ gives us the gift of examining the saint from every aspect:
We know that he was a humble carpenter (cf. Mt 13.55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt 1.18; Lk 1.27); a “righteous man” (Mt 1.19), always ready to carry out the will of God manifested in his Law (cf. Lk 2.22.27.39) and through no fewer than four dreams (cf. Mt 1.20; 2.13.19.22). After a long and arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he saw the Messiah born in a stable, because elsewhere “there was no room for them” (Lk 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who represented the people of Israel and the pagan peoples respectively.
St Joseph: A Loving and Provident Father
St Joseph embodies divine love and providence, demonstrating loving care not only for Jesus but for every believer. His guidance and protection are shining examples of fatherhood, inviting us to reflect on how we can be loving and supportive presences in the lives of others.
St Joseph’s Fidelity and Obedience
St Joseph’s life is a testament to his faithfulness and obedience to God. In challenges and uncertainties, his trust did not waver, offering us a model of how to live with authentic faith, listening and following the divine will even when the path seems obscure.
St Joseph: Devoted and Supportive Spouse
In his role as Mary’s husband, St. Joseph shows deep and respectful love, creating a solid foundation for the Holy Family. His unconditional dedication and support reflect the importance of love, respect and loyalty in our relationships.
The Courage of St Joseph: From Refugee to Protector
The flight into Egypt under the threat of Herod highlights St Joseph’s courage and determination to protect his family. This episode teaches us the value of resilience and protecting those we love in the face of adversity.
St Joseph: The Zealous Worker
St Joseph, in his silent trade as a carpenter, celebrates the dignity and importance of manual labour. His life reminds us that every job, done with care and dedication, is a valuable service and an act of worship.
Father of creative courage
In the context of the ‘Patris Corde’, Pope Francis speaks to us of the ‘Father of creative courage’, an aspect of St Joseph that resonates deeply with the Vincentian motto ‘Love is infinitely inventive’, of our own St Vincent de Paul. This correlation underlines how love, in the context of both St Joseph and St Vincent, is not limited to sentiments but extends to concrete, creative and often innovative actions to meet the needs of those in need. St. Joseph, with his ingenuity and courage, found unconventional ways to protect and provide for his family, thus embodying the essence of love that goes beyond obstacles, a cardinal principle of Vincentian ethics and mission.
Tributes to the ‘Josephs’ of the Mission Congregation
St Joseph is a figure that transcends the centuries, offering lessons of life and faith that remain relevant today. His existence, marked by humility, work, love and faith, continues to be a source of inspiration for the Brothers of the Mission Congregation and all believers, inviting us to reflect on how we can emulate these virtues in our own lives.
In honour of the illustrious ‘Josephs’ of the Mission Congregation, we remember figures such as the recently beatified Father Joseph Alloatti and Blessed Louis Joseph François. Their lives and work represent a living tribute to the legacy of St Joseph, showing an unparalleled commitment to the service of others and to the Christian faith. These men have embodied the virtues of St Joseph through their dedication and love, inspiring confreres and lay people alike. By celebrating their stories, we continue to weave the fabric of a community that lives by the principles of care, protection and spiritual guidance that St Joseph demonstrated in his life.
Girolamo Grammatico
Office of Communication
