Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In many cultures, this is an important solemnity in the midst of our journey during the holy weeks of Lent. Scripture does not tell us many details about Joseph. However, Scripture states that Joseph was a righteous man, how he faithfully stood by Mary and fulfilled his role as foster father of Jesus. We can imagine that when Joseph learned of Mary’s pregnancy, it was a dark time in his life. We don’t hear of Joseph from the time Jesus started his public ministry – perhaps Joseph passed away before that time. Yet, we can assume that Joseph helped formed Jesus in his faith, preparing him for his public ministry and his proclamation of God’s kingdom. I see both Joseph and Mary as such wonderful examples of faith for us. Both of them were truly the first disciples who believed in Christ. In fact, I often tell men who come to me for confession to pray with Joseph and to ask for his prayers and friendship to help them overcome what they are struggling with. It is interesting to note that devotion to St Joseph grew in the 15th and 16th century, with saints such as Teresa of Avila promoting a devotion to him. As there has been an increased interest in the saints in recent years, there has also been greater devotion to St Joseph.
The tradition of St Joseph’s table that is celebrated on this feast day goes back to Italy many centuries ago. There are various stories told that explain this tradition. One story holds that on the island of Sicily during the Middle Ages, the inhabitants prayed to St Joseph to intercede during a time of famine. They prayed for the rains to come, and when the drought was ended, they prepared a special banquet in thanksgiving to St Joseph for answering their prayers. This became a tradition in Sicily, when they invited the poor and the less fortunate to join in the feast. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Sicilian immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, where it has become one of the biggest devotions in Italian American communities throughout our country.
Today, let us ask for the prayers for Blessed St Joseph for our community, for the poor and the sick, that his intercessions brought them healing and strength. And may St Joseph help all of us as we continue on our Lenten journey.
