St. Joseph – Husband of Mary

     In a new Apostolic Letter entitled “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalled the 150^th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron Saint of the Universal Church. He described Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a special “Year of Saint Joseph” began on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 8 December 2020 continues until December 8th this year.

The Holy Father wrote Patris corde against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which, he says, has helped us see more clearly the importance of “ordinary” people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day through the person of Saint Joseph.

St. Joseph was an ordinary manual laborer although descended from the royal house of David. In the plans of Providence, he was meant to become the spouse of the Mother of God. His great privilege is expressed in a single phrase, "Foster-father of Jesus, Joseph", says the Holy Scripture, was a just man, an expression which indicates how faithfully he fulfilled his deep trust of protecting and guarding God's greatest treasures upon earth, Jesus and Mary. He was innocent and pure, as he became the husband of Mary. He was gentle and tender, as one worthy to be named the father of Jesus. He was prudent and a lover of silence, as became the master of the holy house. Above all, he was faithful and obedient to divine call.  

The darkest hours of his life may well have been those when he first learned of Mary's pregnancy; but precisely in this time of trial Joseph showed himself great. His suffering, which likewise formed a part of the work of the redemption, was not without great providential significance: Joseph was to be, for all times, the trustworthy witness of the Messiah's virgin birth. After this, he modestly leaves into the background of holy Scripture.

Joseph is an example of a good husband and farther. He had a great and profound love and respect for Jesus and Mary. He showed a silent support to Mary and Jesus- the Son of God. Above all he understood and remained as a humble servant of the Lord. His only desire was to do God’s will and never look for any recognition and praise.

Let us look upon Joseph with appreciation and prayer. Let us ask him to intercede for us that we may clothe ourselves with the spirit of tenderness and fatherly love of saint Joseph.

                                                                                                                                           Sr. Anna Thắng SCJM