Traditionally, the Church dedicates the month of March to St. Joseph with special devotions held on Wednesdays in his honour. Numerous churches, chapels, and schools in the diocese bear his name, and many male Catholics choose Joseph as their baptismal name, seeking to emulate his virtues in daily life.
St. Joseph is well known as the foster father of Jesus and the spouse of Mary. He was a carpenter, labouring diligently to provide for his family, raising Jesus by example. Yet, beyond these familiar facts, how well do we truly know him?
The Bible offers only a few accounts of Joseph, yet these portrayals are profoundly vivid. When he first learned of Mary’s pregnancy, he intended to quietly separate from her, but an angel appeared in a dream, revealing that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Later, after Jesus’ birth, the angel warned Joseph to flee with the Holy Family to Egypt to escape King Herod’s massacre of infants. After some time, they returned to Israel, presenting Jesus at the temple.
St. Joseph exemplifies gentleness, obedience, diligence, and selfless devotion. He remained steadfastly by Mary’s side, carrying out numerous unseen yet crucial tasks to protect and nurture his family. As such, he stands as a model for fathers and labourers alike.
On 8 December 1870, Blessed Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph the patron of the universal Church. He is also the patron of the Church in China.
According to the History of the Catholic Church in China, as early as 1668 [the eighth year of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty], the Holy See passed the resolution of the Guangzhou Conference of the Church in China to approve St. Joseph as the patron of the Church in China. It is hoped that this humble, simple and obedient man will guard the Church in China like he did the Holy Family.
The Venerable Pope Pius XII addressed the Italian Catholic Workers Association on 1 May 1955, the feast of St. Joseph the Great, and recommended St. Joseph as the Patron of Workers [cf. Pontifical Bulletin 47, 1995, 406], while Pope St. John Paul II called him the “Guardian of the Redeemer” [cf. Apostolic Exhortation Redemptoris Custos]. He is also the Patron of a Happy Death [cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church #1014].
On 8 December 2020, marking the 150th anniversary of St. Joseph’s designation as Patron of the universal Church, Pope Francis issued the apostolic letter, Patris Corde [With a father’s heart], highlighting Joseph’s virtues and proclaiming a special Year of Saint Joseph until 8 December 2021.
During that year, the Diocese of Hong Kong encouraged the faithful to reflect on St. Joseph’s role and the responsibilities of men within the Church through spiritual formation, action, and education.
As we celebrate his solemnity on March 19, let us draw near to him, learn from his unwavering faith, and seek his intercession in our lives. St. Joseph, pray for us! SE
