Saint Joseph the Worker
Patron of Wood Workers, Handymen, Builders
Feast Day: March 19th
St. Joseph’s story took place long ago. Joseph often misunderstood and was often misunderstood himself. When Joseph first learned that his wife, Mary, was pregnant, Joseph became full of doubt. The Book of Matthew states that Joseph first decided to divorce Mary quietly. Joseph mistakenly believed that Mary had been unfaithful. But an Angel appeared to Joseph and explained that Mary was carrying the Son of God, Jesus, and that Jesus would save us all from sin. That must have been very difficult to understand!
Joseph was an ordinary, humble man, a carpenter, a builder who worked hard to support his family. Joseph was neither proud nor haughty, not arrogant nor assertive. Joseph’s perseverance and trust in an Angel allowed all of us to have the gift of Faith. Joseph’s trust led him to follow God’s path. Joseph faced many critics and he was often labeled a fool. Even in modern times, artists portray Joseph as an older man and seemingly feeble. These drawings are yet more misunderstandings about Joseph since he died long before the Crucifixion of Jesus and was not fortunate to live to be elderly. Still, Joseph lived a happy life and his faithful trust allowed him to be a loving foster-father to Jesus and devoted husband to Mother Mary.
Pray to Saint Joseph for a happy life and for guidance during the times when you have feelings of doubt, distrust and self-reproach. When your thoughts challenge you, remember Joseph the Worker’s Faith in an Angel. Even when we think we have been betrayed, a higher power may let us know things are not always as they appear, just as Joseph was able to do with Mother Mary. © 1999
Joseph, Hand-Painted Saint Medal, Jesus's Step-Father, Strength of Faith, Trust, God's Will
Saints for Sinners$29.95
Joseph the Worker, Saint Medal, Jesus's Step-Father, Patron of Fatherly Figures, Carpenters
Saints for Sinners$29.95