Friday, March 19, 2021
March 19 is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin 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 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.
St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, immigrants, happy death, the Catholic Church, and more.
December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021 has been declared a “Year of St. Joseph” by Pope Francis.
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary:
- First Reading – 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.”
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29: “The son of David will live for ever.”
- Second Reading – Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22: “He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations”
- Gospel – Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a: “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”
- Alternate Gospel – Luke 2:41-51a: “Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
Resources for the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary:
My Life with the Saints by Fr. James Martin
This book is a reflection on various saints who have impacted the life of Fr. James Martin. By reading his insights, you will learn about the history of these saints. He points out characteristics and flaws in them which we might see in ourselves and which might help us on our journey to sainthood.
Fathers, Follow the Example of St. Joseph
Dear fathers, happy Feast of St. Joseph! Follow his example when caring for your children as they grow up in wisdom and grace.
Read About One Of The Saints
Saints are our Catholic heroes. They aren’t perfect, but they are beautiful examples of the path to holiness. So try reading about some of the saints. Our Catholic children need good role models.
115 Saintly Fun Facts
115 Saintly Fun Facts is a delightful way to look at the saints. So many books focus on how they died or what they suffered. This book focuses on what was really special and unique about these saints.
Leave a Reply