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Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

solemnity Lent

Holy Day of Obligation

Mass Readings → Liturgy of the Hours →
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Selected Mass Reading

Gospel — Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name Jesus. For he shall save his people from their sins. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.

Saints Memorialized Today

Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph Carpenter, Foster father of Jesus, Husband of the Virgin Mary -29–20

Saint Joseph was born in the Holy Land in the first century and lived as a Jewish man in Nazareth. Chosen by God to be the husband of the Virgin Mary, he became the legal father and faithful guardian of Jesus, offering the Child the protection of his name, his home, and his steady work as a craftsman. In the Gospels he appears as a man of quiet obedience: he receives God’s guidance in dreams, takes Mary into his care, welcomes Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, and safeguards the Holy Family by fleeing to Egypt when Herod threatens the Child’s life. He later returns and settles again in Nazareth, where Jesus is known as “the carpenter’s son.” Though Joseph disappears from the Gospel narrative before Jesus’ public ministry, the Church venerates him as “most chaste,” a model of humble service, and patron of workers and a holy death. He is honored as patron of the Universal Church and of many nations, including Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, and Vietnam. His feast day is March 19.