"WITH A FATHER’S HEART: that is how Joseph loved Jesus, whom all four Gospels refer to as “the son of Joseph”.
Matthew and Luke, the two Evangelists who speak most of Joseph, tell us very little, yet enough for us to appreciate what sort of father he was, and the mission entrusted to him by God’s providence.
We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55), betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk 1:27). He was a “just man” (Mt 1:19), ever ready to carry out God’s will as revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk 2:22.27.39) and through four dreams (cf. Mt 1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there was no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk 2:7). He witnessed the adoration of the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who represented respectively the people of Israel and the pagan peoples.
Joseph had the courage to become the legal father of Jesus, to whom he gave the name revealed by the angel: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). As we know, for ancient peoples, to give a name to a person or to a thing, as Adam did in the account in the Book of Genesis (cf. 2:19-20), was to establish a relationship." - From the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, on the 150th anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Francis
Additional Literature on St. Joseph
"The Holy Family is the beginning of countless other holy families." - Pope John Paul II.There is a beautiful tradition in the Church that St. Joseph lived on the Earth with Jesus and Mary for thirty years. Thirty years to adore the face of Our Lord and Savior, thirty years to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, and thirty years to be a true father. Joseph experienced a life that no man in history can parallel. Joseph knew Jesus and Mary intimately. Not only that, in many mysterious ways, he led them. Join St. Joseph for this 30-day journey and you will discover how to become a man after God's own heart!
Video Resources on St. Joseph
"The first feature film ever on the story of St. Joseph, who was a carpenter, the husband of Mary, and the foster father of Jesus Christ. Scripture tells us that St. Joseph was a ""just man"" and that God gave him the most daunting task ever asked of a man–to be the husband of the woman who would give birth to the Messiah and the father and protector of this Holy Family. He would be the man closest to Christ.
Starring Tobias Moretti in a manly, appealing performance, we are shown the human, noble, and deeply spiritual aspects of Joseph the carpenter, son of David, servant of God, and loving husband of Mary. He is presented as a man of faith who must grapple greatly with the profound mysteries of the miraculous conception, the Virgin Birth, the Incarnation of the Son of God, and the incredible challenges of protecting and raising Jesus amidst the threats on his life from the moment of his birth and beyond.
As Joseph is informed by God's messengers about trusting and following his plan for Christ, the dangerous flight into Egypt to save his child, and finally returning to Nazareth to raise Jesus, this lovely film presents beautiful vignettes of these and other powerful scenes in the life of the young Christ and the Holy Family that are authentic and inspiring. Also stars Stefania Rivi, Franco Interlenghi, and Andrea Prodan."
Ascension Press features Sister Miriam James Heidland in an advent reflection. How did St. Joseph love our Blessed Mother as her loving, chaste spouse? He made her feel safe. He gave her heart a place to bloom. And he found rest in the Heart of the Father, from whom all husbands draw their peace and strength.
Join Fr. Mark Toups, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Fr. Josh Johnson as they prepare for Advent with a beautiful meditation on the Nativity through the eyes of Joseph.
Audio Resources on St. Joseph
The holy and hidden figure of St. Joseph comes to light in this captivating presentation by Dr. Mark Miravalle. What is the dignity of this great man, and how do we convey the wondrous power of his intercession? Listen now as Dr. Miravalle delves into the fascinating and hidden life of the man whom God chose to "substitute" for Himself when the Word became flesh to dwell among us.
Resources for Children about St. Joseph
Little ones can enjoy a coloring page featuring Jesus helping St. Joseph with carpentry. Click the image to download and print.
When things get off to a rough start as Anna, Agnes, Peter and Paul train for a baseball match, Noah shares the story of St. Joseph helping them to imitate his example and learn the virtue of obedience.
