SOLEMNITY ST JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MARCH 19, 2026
- Olivia M. Bannan
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
Gospel
Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.
REFLECTION
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home."
Joseph was a just and righteous man. He had so many questions and swirling emotions, yet, he discerned his situation and did not lash out in his circumstances and the loss of his plans. He listened to God and took Mary as his wife and thus became the foster father whom God had chosen for His Son here on earth.
He helped Mary and Jesus during the tumultuous days of His birth in Bethlehem, fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod's death decree for the child. He taught Jesus how to pray, how to be obedient, how to trust God and be open to His Will.
We never heard St Joseph speak, but we knew his thoughts and concerns. He did not write any essays or commentaries but we know from him how to be caring and loving and to foremost carry out the Will of God.
Pope Francis described St Joseph's chastity as "a sign of an attitude that is the opposite of possessiveness, representing a 'master of purity' who respects the mystery of God in Mary". He was chosen by God to guard the "perpetual virginity of Mary and serve the sacred humanity of Jesus "living in an unusual consecrated marriage".
In her autobiography The Book of her Life, ( El Libro de La Vida) St Teresa of Avila credited St Joseph for her healing. As a young nun she developed a burning fever, convulsions and lapsed into a coma for 4 days. She was expected to die; however when she woke up she was paralyzed. The paralysis lasted 3 years. St Teresa of Avila attributed her recovery to St Joseph.
St André Bessette, known as "Brother André" or the "Miracle Man of Montreal" is the renowned Holy Cross brother with a profound devotion to St. Joseph. He founded the world-renowned St Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. Many miracles happened through the intercession of St Joseph.
Litany to St Joseph
Prayer of Consecration to St Joseph
God Bless You
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