Patron of the Universal Church

Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.(Matthew 1: 16.18-21.24a)

Although Joseph is one of the holiest men mentioned in the Gospels, he is certainly one of the most silent. His thoughts, dreams, and divine inspirations are reported, but not his words. With words men sometimes pursue good, but more often they seek evil, putting their own will before God's Will. They lie to themselves and to their neighbours. Being a righteous man, Joseph does not lie to anyone, even in his own thought: he is therefore ready to obey God, accepting to do His will in all things. So let us make good use of this year dedicated to St Joseph to draw spiritual benefits from his figure as Patron of the Universal Church, as was proclaimed by Blessed Pius IX.