Saint Joseph is best known as the foster father of Jesus, and the supportive husband of the Blessed Mother Mary. Having been a skilled craftsman and carpenter like his son Jesus, Joseph is regarded as the patron saint of workers. Additionally, Joseph has received the title of being the patron and protector of the Catholic Church by Pope Pius IX as well as being the patron for the sick and for happy death, having been believed to have died in the presence of both Jesus and Mary.
In Matthew’s Gospel, the angel Gabriel appears to Joseph to proclaim that Mary would soon give birth to a child that was a gift from the Holy Spirit, and he would be named Jesus. Joseph was understood to be a just and faithful man to God, and said yes to the role as Jesus’ father. Joseph cared for Mary while she was pregnant with Jesus, and later protected Jesus from dangers in order to allow him to grow up to become the rightful Son of God. Today, Joseph’s faith in God and his family are celebrated through his feast day on March 19th.