19 March 2024 - homily for the solemnity of St Joseph - Blessed Marcel Callo - Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

     In the 2018 Synod of Bishops dedicated to youth and young people, several saints were cited who were exemplary witnesses of faith for our youth. One saint named as such was Marcel Callo, who was born in France in 1921, the oldest of 9 children. At the age of 13, he started work as a printer’s apprentice. He grew up as a devout Catholic and tried very hard to live out the values of his faith. At the age of 20, he became engaged to young woman, hoping to build a life together, but when France was occupied during WWII, he was sent to a forced labor camp in Germany to work in the weapons plant. At the work camp, he found a place where Mass was clandestinely offered on Sundays. The weekly Eucharist strengthened him to care for his friends in the camp. Marcel organized Christian workers together to build a simple community of good human living. After living in different camps and prisons, he was transferred to the Mauthausen concentration camp where he suffered from diseases and malnutrition. He died on March 19, 1945, on the solemnity of St Joseph, at the age of 24. He was beatified by John Paul II in 1987, and continues to be a patron for young men and women who seek to live Christian lives as laypersons, to build Christian community, and make their daily lives a joyful witness of the life of Christ.

     Just as Marcel Callo is a great example of faith for us as a member of the community of saints, St Joseph also stands out for us a great example of faith. Joseph’s role in Jesus life is celebrated each year in our celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas time. As we listen to the Gospel today about Joseph protecting Mary and obeying God’s will for him and his family, it might be interesting for us to learn that for much of the history of the Church, Joseph was not paid very much attention. However, now we celebrate Joseph as the spouse of Mary on March 19 of each year, and we also celebrate Joseph the Worker on May 1. 

     Especially during the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I like to point out to many men that St Joseph is a wonderful example for all Christian men, especially in his role as father, husband, worker, and man of the community. We do not know a lot of details about Joseph, but we do know that he was a man of faith, a man who nurtured Jesus and who helped bring him up in the traditions of the Jewish faith. As we celebrate St Joseph today, may his example give us encouragement in our own journey.