Saint Joseph
Joseph, of the house of David, lived at Nazareth and was a carpenter. He married Mary and was the putative to foster-father of Jesus. He is cited in the Gospels only in reference to the infancy of Jesus and probably died before Jesus began his public life. (Giorgi, 2025) In the History of Joseph the Carpenter from ca. 600, Joseph remembers some of Jesus’ childhood deeds. It focuses on the bond of love between Joseph and Jesus. Jesus was born when Joseph was 92 years old and died at 111. (Kremer, 2025) The cult of Saint Joseph spread around the 9th century and entered the liturgy in the 15th. He is depicted as an older man with a flowering staff and the tools of a carpenter. He is invoked for a good death and by the homeless and the exiled. PROTECTOR: Artisans, carpenters, woodworkers, supply officers, workingmen, fathers of families, and attorneys. NAME: Joseph is from the Hebrew and means “he will add.” (Giorgi, 2025) Photo from Guardian Angel Roman Catholic Church – Edison, New Jersey, 2023.
Oh St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
Oh St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
Oh St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.
Photo of Death of St. Joseph by Soldani from Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, Michigan, 2026.
Photo from Washington, DC, 2026.