Saint Bibiana by Ermes Dovico

Father

St Joseph, the ideal model for educators
REDEMPTORIS CUSTOS / 7

St Joseph, the ideal model for educators

As his human nature was united with his divine one, even Jesus needed to be educated. Under the guidance of Mary and Joseph, the Son of God made man was able to grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”. In particular, St Joseph had to perform the duties of a father, such as instructing Jesus in the Law and in a trade while integrating him into social life. Thus he and the Virgin emerge as “models for all educators” (St John Paul II).