St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Joseph is honored with two feasts each year, March 19, the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and May 1, St. Joseph the Worker. Because of Joseph’s job as a carpenter, attention is given to his example as an industrious, reliable worker and provider; and because of his role in the Holy Family, attention is given to his role as a father; but this feast pays particular attention to his vocation as a husband to Mary and his role as an inspiration and patron saint for husbands.

Faithful and pure. When Joseph and Mary were betrothed (Mt 1:18) they promised themselves to each other in marriage. Joseph was entirely faithful to his promises. He did not live with Mary before marriage. He respected her and abstained from sexual relations with her. He did not lust for other women, nor was he involved with anyone else. A good husband is completely faithful to his wife, does not cohabitate with her before marriage, abstains from sexual relations before marriage, and is chaste after marriage by reserving himself for his wife and her alone.

Righteous. Righteous describes a person who carefully observes the Mosaic Law (Mt 1:19). Joseph actively practiced his faith and obeyed all of the spiritual rules and regulations. A good husband actively practices his faith and is careful to obey the will of God, the gospel, the commandments, and Church teaching. A virtuous man makes a great husband.

Kind and Compassionate. Joseph was unwilling to expose Mary to shame (Mt 1:19). When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, even though he was deeply hurt, he wanted no harm to come to her. Joseph wanted to safeguard Mary from public humiliation and embarrassment. He had no desire to retaliate or punish her. A good husband always wants the best for his wife. If there is a misunderstanding, he gives her the benefit of the doubt. He upholds her good name and defends her reputation. If she has done something wrong, he is compassionate, merciful, and forgiving, actively works at reconciliation, and does his best to preserve the marriage covenant.

Obedient to God. An angel appeared to Joseph multiple times in dreams (Mt 1:20; 2:13,19-20,22). The angel was God’s messenger. Every time God issued a command, Joseph obeyed promptly and completely. A husband who obeys God brings nothing but good to his wife.

Protector and Companion. When King Herod threatened to harm Joseph’s wife Mary in his search to destroy their son Jesus, Joseph protected Mary from attack. A good husband helps his wife escape from any threat of potential violence, whether it is verbal, emotional, sexual, or physical. Joseph accompanied Mary to Egypt. A good husband is a steady companion and a faithful traveler with his wife on the journey of marriage, and is physically present at her side, particularly in times of hardship.

Faith Partner. Joseph went with Mary to the Temple for Jesus’ presentation (Lk 2:22), each year they went to Jerusalem for Passover (Lk 2:41), and it was customary for them to attend the synagogue in Nazareth each week (Lk 4:16). A good husband accompanies his wife to church.

Co-Parent. Joseph was with Mary when Jesus was born (Lk 2:16). When Jesus was lost, they searched for him together (Lk 2:45). In Nazareth the child Jesus obeyed Joseph’s and Mary’s house rules (Lk 2:51). Joseph and Mary shared the parenting role. A good husband is an active partner with his wife in the raising of their children.