St. Joseph

 All that we know about St. Joseph comes from the Scriptures. He was from the village of Nazareth, a carpenter or builder and was not wealthy (for Jesus' circumcision he offered a pair of turtle doves rather than the required lamb). In spite of the appearance of these humble circumstances, Joseph was of royal linage, being a descendant of King David. 

In Matthew's Gospel, Joseph is seen contemplating sending Mary away quietly after he learns of her pregnancy. He is told by an angel in a dream not to "be afraid" to take Mary into his home. My favorite interpretation of this passage is that Joseph knew that this was not an ordinary pregnancy. He resolves to send Mary away, not because he suspects her of adultery, but because he feels himself unworthy to be in the presence of this pure Temple who carried the living God in her womb. His dream of the Angel reassures him that he has been chosen to be the protector and guardian of this Shrine. 

The last time we see Joseph in the scriptures is at the finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple, where Jesus was sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Luke tells us that Jesus returned to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph and was obedient to them. Joseph is believed to have died in the presence of Jesus and Mary before Jesus began his public ministry. Because of this, he is the patron saint of the dying, particularly of a happy death, because isn't that the way we would all like to end our life.

Joseph is also patron saint of the Universal Church, fathers, workers, carpenters and married people. March 19 is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin; May 1 is the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker. St. Joseph, pray for us.