Each year on March 19, the Church celebrates the feast day of St. Joseph. He has many designations: Guardian of the Pure in Heart, Hope of the Sick, Consolation of the Afflicted and Patron of the Dying. He is also known as a Model of Workers, Protector of the Church, Support of Families, and Terror of Demons. Traditionally, we confide in Saint Joseph when we’re facing issues related to work, family, health, death, immigration and material needs.

This feast day is especially important here in Canada, where we have a special patronage to St. Joseph. Did you know that the largest shrine in the world dedicated to St. Joseph is the St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal? Founded in 1904 on the recommendation of St. Brother Andre, this Montreal shrine aims to strengthen the devotion to Saint Joseph in the lives of all who visit.

St. Joseph was born into modest means and worked as a carpenter his whole life. He’s a model for all of us to live our lives faithfully as children of God, through the good and bad days, with humility and simplicity. Though we don’t hear any of St. Joseph’s words in the Scripture, the evangelists show him as a man who obeyed the instructions of the angel of the Lord. He’s an inspiration for all of us to live our lives for the glory of God, working hard and remaining loyal to our vocation.

St. Joseph, pray for us!