The Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary is celebrated on March 19 in the Roman Catholic Church, but if March 19 falls on a Sunday during Lent, it is transferred to the next available day,.
March 19 is the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary. Joseph was a just and holy man, chosen by God to be the foster father of Jesus. He trusted in God and protected Mary and Jesus by fleeing to Egypt. He is regarded as a model of humility, obedience, and faithfulness.
He does not speak a single word in the gospels and little is known about him. Since he is not mentioned in Jesus’ adult life, it is assumed he died earlier with Mary and Jesus beside him.
The Feast of St. Joseph Husband of Mary is a celebration of his life and contributions to the Church, as well as an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on his virtues and example. It is also a reminder of the importance of the family unit and the role of fathers in the spiritual development of their children.
In addition, St. Joseph’s intercession is powerful and effective, and many Catholics ask for his prayers and protection in times of difficulty or need. The feast day provides an opportunity for Catholics to express their devotion to St. Joseph and seek his intercession for their personal intentions.
Patron Saint of …
St. Joseph Husband of Mary is the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, immigrants, happy death, the Catholic Church, and more.
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary
- First Reading – 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16: This passage is about God’s promise to David that his descendant will have an eternal kingdom. God promises to establish the royal throne of David’s descendant forever, and to be a father to him.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: A song of praise to God for his faithfulness and promises to David. The psalmist proclaims God’s eternal kindness and covenant with David, expressing confidence that the son of David will live forever.
- Second Reading – Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22: God’s promise to Abraham to inherit the world was not through the law but through faith. The promise is available to all his descendants who follow the faith of Abraham, who believed and hoped against hope that he would become the father of many nations, and therefore his faith was credited to him as righteousness.
- Gospel – Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a: Jesus Christ was born through the Holy Spirit to Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph. Joseph, being a righteous man, planned to quietly divorce Mary after discovering her pregnancy, but an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to take Mary as his wife, and he obeyed.
- Alternate Gospel – Luke 2:41-51a: Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover when he was 12 years old. After the feast, they leave to return home, but Jesus stays behind in the temple, discussing with the teachers and asking them questions. When his parents realize he is missing, they return to Jerusalem and find him in the temple, and he tells them that he must be about his Father’s business.
Themes for the Daily Mass Readings for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary
- The faithful obedience of St. Joseph: The readings reflect on St. Joseph’s obedience to God’s plan, and his willingness to do what was asked of him, even when it was difficult or challenging.
- The role of St. Joseph as protector and provider: The readings highlight St. Joseph’s role as protector and provider for Mary and Jesus, and how he took care of them and provided for their needs.
- The importance of the family: The readings emphasize the importance of the family unit, and how St. Joseph served as a model of faith, love, and devotion for his family.
- The faithfulness and mercy of God: The readings also remind us of God’s faithfulness and mercy, and how he chose St. Joseph to play an important role in the salvation of the world.
Thoughts for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary
The Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary, is a special day for Catholics around the world to reflect on the life and virtues of St. Joseph. St. Joseph was a man of great faith, humility, and obedience to God’s plan, and he served as a model of fatherhood and family life for all of us.
As we reflect on the life of St. Joseph, we are reminded of the importance of the family unit in God’s plan. St. Joseph served as the earthly father and protector of Jesus, and he demonstrated how important it is for fathers to provide for and protect their families, and to lead them in the ways of faith.
St. Joseph’s faith and obedience to God’s plan also inspire us to trust in God’s providence and to seek his will in our own lives. Like St. Joseph, we are called to put our faith in God’s plan and to follow his will, even when it is difficult or challenging.
May the example and intercession of St. Joseph inspire us to live lives of faith, obedience, and love for God and family, and may his prayers help us to grow in holiness and draw closer to God.
Prayer for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary
Dear St. Joseph, on this solemn day we pray that you intercede for us and help us to follow your example of faith, obedience, and love for God and family. Please guide us and protect us as we strive to live holy lives and draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary
Word on Fire: Joseph Understood
A reflection for the Solemnity of St. Joseph Husband of Mary from Bishop Robert Barron. “Friends, today we celebrate the feast of St. Joseph. Every episode of Joseph’s life is a crisis. He discovered that the woman to whom he was betrothed was pregnant. He resolved to divorce her quietly, but then the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream and explained the anomalous pregnancy.” Continue reading.
USCCB Reflection: St. Joseph Pray for Us
A video reflection from USCCB for Saturday of the 3rd Week of Lent. Today is a great day to pray for parents. Parents are the first teachers in the ways of faith. As our parents age, we care for them.
Quotes
Dear fathers, happy Feast of St. Joseph! Follow his example when caring for your children as they grow up in wisdom and grace.
Pope Francis
Litany of St. Joseph Husband of Mary
In this Litany of St. Joseph, we ask this saint to pray for us so we can be more like him, especially in the way he trusted in God and cared for the Holy Family.
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