As Director of the Lasallian Student Life Office at Christian Brothers High School, I am honored to serve our students. At the heart of our Sacramento campus is the main lawn, where students gather between classes, at lunch, and during breaks. Watching over this lively scene daily is a statue of St. Joseph, positioned prominently in front of the chapel that bears his name. With a watchful, loving gaze, he stands as a steady presence, while students play spike ball or hacky sack or sit at his feet to share a meal.
The penances and disciplines of Lent take a pause today as we honor St. Joseph. Along with his March 19th feast day, we honor him on May 1st, the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, but his steady intercession remains strong every day of the year. Our Founder, John Baptist de La Salle, chose St. Joseph as the patron of the Brothers’ Institute because he saw him as the perfect model for educators. Just as Joseph cared for and protected the Child Jesus, Lasallian educators live out their vocation to nurture and guide the students entrusted to their care. I encourage you, if you haven’t already, to make him a patron of your own life and vocation, too.
Joseph, A Father to All
St. Joseph is a figure of global appeal. He is the patron of Austria, Belgium, Bohemia, Canada, Mexico, Peru, and South Vietnam. He is the patron of workers, carpenters, and fathers. He was declared patron of the Universal Church in 1870 by Blessed Pope Pius IX and Guardian of the Redeemer in 1989 by Pope St. John Paul II.
Many popes have written about St. Joseph. Most recently, Pope Francis wrote an Apostolic Letter devoted to Joseph entitled Patris Corde and established a Year of St. Joseph. Pope Francis saw Joseph as a beloved Father whose greatness lies in being the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and father of Jesus, which placed him at the service of the entire plan of salvation.
Becoming a father led me to St. Joseph, who serves as my ideal model of a loving and committed husband and father. My commitment to him was solidified when I received him as my patron as a Benedictine oblate of Mount Angel Abbey on June 16, 2023.
Joseph, the Dreamer and Doer
I have learned that Joseph is a dreamer and a doer. God communicated His will and guided Joseph through his dreams.
There are four dreams that were significant in this saint’s life. Joseph was told not to be afraid to marry the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mt. 1:20-21); the angel instructed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt to protect them from Herod (Mt. 2:13-14); Joseph was told that it was safe to return to Israel when the Lord’s enemies had died (Mt. 2:20); and the angel told Joseph to settle in Nazareth (Mt. 2:22).
His dreams modeled faith in action. Pope Francis said that Joseph “adapted to different circumstances with the attitude of those who do not grow discouraged when life does not turn out as they wished; he showed the willingness typical of those who live to serve.” His obedience to God did not remove him from the world; it drew him deeply into it as a man who worked and provided for his family. He rose from slumber to do God’s will. How intimate this scene must have been, an intimate portrait of this silent man who cared for the Blessed Virgin and the Son of God.
Joseph, the Listener
Joseph was always listening. Perhaps that is why there was no recorded word of him in scripture. His silence fostered immense trust in God’s plan. Pope Benedict XVI said, “Throughout all of history, Joseph is the man who gives God the greatest display of trust…”
To listen to God’s will is the first instruction in the Rule of St. Benedict. Listening with the ears of the heart is at the root of following the Master and trusting Him. Joseph teaches this with precision and love.
Joseph, Terror of Demons
Joseph is given many titles in the life of the Church. One title that is immensely meaningful to me is Terror of Demons. Not one word is uttered from his mouth, yet the demons fear him! He tramples over the devil as Defender of Christ and His Church. If I dare to model my life in Joseph’s silence, prayer, and trust, I will not face my difficulties alone.
Happy Feast Day to a saint of universal appeal! As I serve the students at my high school, I hold up Joseph as the ultimate model for us all. May his courageous heart inspire us to love Jesus deeply as we journey through Lent and into the awesome glory of His Resurrection.
Image from Wikimedia Commons
