Saint Joseph

The foster father to Our Lord is often overlooked by faithful Christians.  This is unfortunate indeed.  Tradition holds that Joseph's wife, the mother of Jesus' brothers and sisters, had died.  Joseph was in the line of David and so he was entitled to mothering of his children via the temple.  He was betrothed to a consecrated virgin, Mary, who would care for his household and mother his children.  He never intended for their relationship to be a sexual one.

When Mary was discovered to be pregnant, Joseph resolved to divorce her quietly.  This means that he was not vindictive.  He did not want her publicly punished or stoned.  Joseph's complete love of his deceased wife, his  openness to God, and his humble heart, made him the perfect spouse for Mary and earthly father of Our Lord.

Saint Joseph is the patron saint of a "good death" because his own death was so beautiful.  Jesus suffered the loss of Joseph before the beginning of His ministry.  When Jesus wept, we can only imagine him remembering the loss of his own beloved father.

May God bless you as you mourn and support others who mourn.  Please avail yourself of this prayer to Saint Joseph.  This chaplet of Saint Joseph is short and sweet.  For more prayers and devotions, click here.  There are also prayer apps that include chaplets and prayers to Saint Joseph available for free or a few dollars.