Joseph, Pray For Us!
The month of March is often associated with the Lenten Season, the beginning of spring (at least, the “official” starting date), St. Patrick’s Day and, in some years like this one, Easter. The Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gets little attention or seems to almost get lost in the shuffle for many. This may be due to the fact that he is barely mentioned in Sacred Scripture and very little is known about him. Still, a Solemnity takes precedence over any day of Lent outside a Sunday or Holy Week. Thus, although he does not hold the same status of his most blessed spouse, St. Joseph deserves at least some honorable mention and veneration.
According to the Ordo, the Church’s “Order” of Liturgical Prayer, St. Joseph has been honored on March 19 since the end of the 10th century. Pope Pius IX, in 1870, declared him Patron of the Universal Church. In 1989, Pope St. John Paul II declared him Guardian of the Redeemer. St. Joseph is the patron of workers, carpenters and father, just to name a couple, as well as several countries, including both Canada and Mexico.
Pope Francis, many might recall, celebrated his Pontifical Inauguration Mass as pope on this Solemnity of St. Joseph in 2013. Not surprisingly, he focused much of his homily on St. Joseph, especially emphasizing his mission or role as protector of Mary, Jesus and the Church. Here is some of what the Holy Father said about St. Joseph in his homily:
“How does Joseph exercise his role as protector? Discreetly, humbly
and silently, but with an unfailing presence and utter fidelity, even when he
finds it hard to understand. From the time of his betrothal to Mary until the
finding of the 12-year-old Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem, he is there
at every moment with loving care. As the spouse of Mary, he is at her side
in good times and bad…How does Joseph respond to his calling to be pro-
tector of Mary, Jesus and the Church? By being constantly attentive to God,
open to the signs of God’s presence and receptive to God’s plans, and not
simply to his own…Joseph is a ‘protector’ because he is able to hear God’s
voice and be guided by his will; and for this reason he is all the more sensi-
tive to the persons entrusted to his safekeeping.”
With this notion of the special role of St. Joseph, Pope Francis reminded all humanity that we must be protectors in all aspects of life. Drawing from the example of St. Joseph, the Holy Father particularly exhorted Christians; “Let us protect Christ in our lives, so that we can protect others, so that we can protect creation!” Interestingly enough, the Holy Father’s highly anticipated document following the Synod on the Family is expected to be published on March 19 of this year.
While not as popular as the Blessed Mother, St. Francis of Assisi or St. Therese of the Child Jesus (the “Little Flower”), there are a number of devotions to St. Joseph. He is called upon by many for inspiration and intercession. Actually, celebrating this Solemnity of St. Joseph within the context of the Lenten Season is rather appropriate. Much of what little we know or associate with this beloved saint is in keeping with the spirit of Lent. He showed great compassion. Even before God spoke to him in a dream, Joseph sought to divorce Mary quietly so as to protect her from shame (cf. Mt 1:19). Despite whatever sense of embarrassment, rejection or hurt he may have been experiencing upon learning of Mary’s pregnancy, he remained open to God’s voice in a dream. In turn, he willing sacrificed his own plans, agenda or ego for the sake of God’s will. Without a single word being recorded in all of sacred scripture, his silence speaks volumes. He is a model of humility, mercy, self-surrender and trust.
We know nothing about the age or death of St. Joseph. Given the fact that the gospels only mention Mary’s presence during the Wedding at Cana and the Passion of Jesus, Joseph is traditionally thought to have died by the time of Jesus’ public ministry. Yet, his witness of faith, hope and charity lives on. He continues to inspire those who seek his intercession in striving to discern and embrace the will of God. He is worth remembering, honoring and emulating.
During his Inauguration Mass on 19 March 2013, Pope Francis concluded his homily with these words: “I implore the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saints Peter and Paul, and Saint Francis, that the Holy Spirit may accompany my ministry, and I ask all of you to pray for me!” St. Joseph, Pray for Us!
