Feast of
St. Joseph

Seven days before the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March) which commemorates Gabriel's visit to Mary announcing that she is to give birth to the Messiah, we meet St. Joseph, her spouse. St. Joseph was born in Bethlehem and worked as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55: "Is not this the carpenter's son?"), an occupation he later passed on to his Son (Mark 6:3: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and Jude, and Simon? are not also his sisters here with us?"). He became betrothed to Mary, a consecrated Virgin, in order to serve as her protector. Apocryphal writings indicate that Joseph was an older man at the time, and was a widower with grown-up children, but there is no way to know for certain. When Mary came to be with child, his confusion and resolve to "put her away privately" in order to spare her any public humiliation were done away with when an angel of the Lord visited him in a dream and explained things to him: Matthew 1:20-24 But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife. After Jesus was born, an angel again appeared to St. Joseph and told him to take the Holy Family away in order to escape the wrath of Herod. Matthew 2:13-15 And after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the child to destroy him. Who arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod: That it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: Out of Egypt have I called my son. After time in Egypt, an angel came twice more to St. Joseph: Matthew 2:19-23 But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph in Egypt, Saying: Arise, and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the child. Who arose, and took the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea in the room of Herod his father, he was afraid to go thither: and being warned in sleep retired into the quarters of Galilee. And coming he dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was said by prophets: That he shall be called a Nazarene. The next -- and last -- time we hear of St. Joseph in Sacred Scripture is when Jesus was "lost" in the Temple: Luke 2:42-52 And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men. Tradition tells us that he had the great honor to have died in the presence of Our Lady and his Son, which fact makes him the patron of a holy death. Because during his life he was given the great responsibility of caring for and protecting the Virgin -- who is the Mother of all Israel -- and her Son, St. Joseph is considered the patron and protector of the entire Church. Customs Some may prepare for the Feast of St. Joseph by praying a novena in his honor beginning on March 10 and ending on the eve of his feast (March 18). Others make a triduum in honor of St. Joseph before his feast -- i.e., they pray for three days, praying especially the prayer to St. Joseph recommended by Pope Leo XIII. As to prayer for the feast itself, the Litany of St. Joseph would be most appropriate for this feast (download in in pdf format in English or in Latin). St. Joseph's Day is a big Feast for Italians because in the Middle Ages, God, through St. Joseph's intercessions, saved the Sicilians from a very serious drought. So in his honor, the custom is for all to wear red, in the same way that green is worn on St. Patrick's Day (I recommend a red carnation at least). Today, after Mass (at least in parishes with large Italian populations), a big altar (la tavola di San Giuse or "St. Joseph's Table") is laden with food contributed by everyone (note that all these St. Joseph celebrations might take place on the nearest, most convenient weekend). Different Italian regions celebrate this day differently, but all involve special meatless foods: minestrone, pasta with breadcrumbs (the breadcrumbs symbolize the sawdust that would have covered St. Joseph's floor), seafood, Sfinge di San Giuseppe, and, always, fava beans, which are considered "lucky" because during the drought, the fava thrived while other crops failed (recipes below). The table -- which is always blessed by a priest -- will be in three tiers, symbolizing the Most Holy Trinity. The top tier will hold a statue of St. Joseph surrounded by flowers and greenery. The other tiers might hold, in addition to the food: flowers (especially lilies); candles; figurines and symbolic breads and pastries shaped like a monstrance, chalices, fishes, doves, baskets, St. Joseph's staff, lilies, the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, carpentry tools, etc.; 12 fishes symbolizing the 12 Apostles; wine symbolizing the miracle at Cana; pineapple symbolizing hospitality; lemons for "luck"; bread and wine (symbolizing the Last Supper); and pictures of the dead. There will also be a basket in which the faithful place prayer petitions. Three children dressed as the Holy Family will knock on three doors, asking for shelter. They will be refused at the first two, and welcomed at the third, in memory of the Holy Family's seeking of hospitality just before Christ was born. This re-enactment is called "Tupa Tupa," meaning "Knock Knock." When they are finally welcomed at the third door, the cry "Viva la tavola di San Giuse!" rings out to begin the feasting and is heard throughout the day. The feasting ends with each participant taking home a bag that might be filled with bread, fruit, pastries, cookies, a medal of St. Joseph, a Holy Card and/or a blessed fava bean. Keep your "lucky bean," and let it remind you to pray to St. Joseph. Recipes to help you celebrate the life of St. Joseph: Minestrone (serves 10) 4 TBSP olive oil 6 cloves garlic, chopped 2 onions, chopped 1 cup chopped celery 5 carrots, sliced 6 cups vegetable stock* Large can diced tomatoes and its juice Large can crushed tomatoes and its juice Large jar Great Northern Beans or Cannellini Beans, undrained 2 small zucchinis, quartered and sliced 2 summer squash, quartered and sliced 1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels (or 1 can corn, undrained) 1 1/2 lb fresh spinach, torn (or 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach) 2 TBSP chopped fresh oregano (or 2 tsp. dried) -- approx. 1 TBSP chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried) -- approx. 2 TBSP chopped fresh thyme (or 2 tsp dried) -- approx. 1 TBSP fennel seeds, approx., to taste (this is key) salt and pepper to taste For serving: Small pasta, cooked separately just before serving -- optional Shredded Provolone and grated Parmesan for topping 1 tablespoon olive oil Over medium-low heat, in a large pot, heat olive oil and saute garlic for 2 to 3 minutes (do not let brown!). Add onion and saute for 4 to 5 minutes. Add celery and carrots, saute for 1 to 2 minutes more. Add stock and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and add beans, corn), spinach, zucchini, squash, oregano, basil, fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Simmer an hour. Ladle soup into bowls, and add cooked pasta (if desired). Sprinkle cheeses on top. Drizzle with olive oil and serve with crusty bread. Better the next day. * Use more, or use V-8, tomato sauce, water, etc. for more liquid. Pasta di San Giuse (pasta with breadcrumbs that symbolize sawdust)   Note: This recipe came from my parish's website, and was said to be in tribute of "Mamma Giglio." I don't know who Mamma Giglio is, but I don't want to omit the dedication to an Italian Mamma! Cooked pasta Sauce: 2 TBSP olive oil 5 cloves garlic, chopped pinch of red pepper flakes 2 cups chopped fresh fennel 2 cups crushed tomatoes 2 TBSP tomato paste 1 TBSP chopped fresh basil 4 cans of drained, skinless, boneless sardines Heat oil in large pot, and saute in it the garlic and pepper flakes. Add the fennel, tomatoes, paste, and basil. Cover and let simmer 30 minutes 'til fennel is tender. Add the sardines and simmer a few more minutes. Topping: 1 TBSP olive oil 1 cup fine homemade breadcrumbs Heat oil, and add crumbs and heat until golden brown. Pour sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with the breadcrumbs. Sfinge di San Giuseppe (St. Joseph's Cream Puffs) Sfinge: 1 cup water 1/3 cup unsalted butter 1 TBSP sugar Grated rind of 1 lemon Pinch of salt 1 cup sifted flour 4 large eggs, at room temperature 1 TBSP Cognac or vanilla Filling: 2 cups ricotta cheese 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/3 cup grated dark chocolate 2 TBSP finely chopped pistachios Garnish: Powdered sugar Lemon rind Put water, butter, granulated sugar, lemon rind, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, and as soon as the butter has melted, remove from heat. Add the flour all at once, stirring constantly and with vigor. Return the pan to the heat, and stir constantly until the mixture forms a ball and comes away from the sides of the pan. Cook just a little longer, until you hear a slight crackling, frying sound. Remove the pan from the heat, and cool slightly. Add the eggs, one at a time. Be sure that each egg is thoroughly blended into the mixture before you add the next. Stir until smooth and thoroughly blended . Add the Cognac or vanilla. Cover the dough and let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400� F. Drop the dough by heaping tablespoonsful on a buttered cookie sheet or onto parchment-lined sheet (better!), leaving 2 inches between the sfinge. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool. Filling: Mix the ricotta, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, and pistachios. Just before serving (so they don't get soggy!), cut off the tops of the sfinge and fill; place top back on after filling. Arrange on platter, sprinkle with powdered sugar to make them pretty, and garnish platter with lemon rind. Fava Beans 1 lb. dried fava beans 1 bunch green onions 1 medium onion 4 cloves garlic 3 bay leaves chopped parsley 1/4 cup olive oil salt and pepper to taste Cook dried fava beans in boiling water until tender, adding more water as needed. Saut� seasonings in olive oil 'til tender, then add to beans. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve in soup bowls. A most fascinating and beautiful thing that happens today is the return of the cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) to the Mission of San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California. The mission -- one of the oldest buildings in California, and a part of a string of 21 missions that line California's coast -- was founded on 1 November 1776, the Feast of All Saints, by the Franciscan priest, Bl. Junipero Serra, in honor of St. John Capistrano. It was begun the year before, with members of a friendly Indian tribe helping to build, but when word came that the Mission of San Diego was attacked by an unfriendly Indian tribe, the bells were buried and everyone took shelter until building could continue. When the mission was finally completed, a small town grew up around it, and this is where the legend of the swallows -- "las golondrinas" -- begins. It is said that one of the priests noticed a storekeeper in town angrily sweeping down the swallows’ nests and chasing away the "dirty birds." The priest, being a Franciscan, of course invited the poor little birds to the Mission where there was "room for all." The birds, sensing the spirit of St. Francis around the place, followed, and have remained loyal to the Mission ever since. No matter the origins of the story, the fact is that each year on 23 October -- the Feast of St. John of Capistrano -- the swallows fly south for 7,500 miles to Goya, Argentina. There they winter until the end of February when they make their way home, arriving back at the Mission of Capistrano on St. Joseph's Day, where they are greeted with the ringing of church bells and great festivities. A love song was written with this return of the swallows as its focal point; it was recorded by the Ink Spots, Glenn Miller, Pat Boone, and Elvis Presley. Below is the Ink Spots's version of this lovely song: When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano Words and Music by Rene Leon, Copyright � 1940/1969 When the swallows come back to Capistrano That's the day you promised to come back to me. When you whispered farewell in Capistrano 'Twas the day the swallows flew out to the sea. All the mission bells will ring The chapel choir will sing The happiness you'll bring Will live in my memory. When the swallows come back to Capistrano That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me. While the altar candles burn My heart is burning too If you should not return I'll still be waiting for you. When the swallows come back to Capistrano That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me, That's the day I pray that you'll come back to me. As to hymns for the day, try these two: Hail St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary Dear St. Joseph, pure and gentle, Guardian of the Saviour child, Treading with the virgin mother, Egypt's deserts rough and wild. Chorus: Hail, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, Blessed above all saints on high, When the death-shades round us gather, Teach, oh, teach us how to die. He who rested on thy bosom Is by countless saints adored; Prostrate angels in His presence Sing hosannas to their Lord. Now to thee no gift refusing, Jesus stoops to hear thy prayer; Then, dear saint, from thy fair dwelling, Give to us a father's care. Dear St. Joseph, kind and loving, Stretch to us a helping hand; Guide us through life's toils and sorrows Safely to the distant land. In the strife of life be near us, And in death, oh, hover nigh, Let our souls on thy sweet bosom To their home of gladness fly. Thou hast known a pilgrim's sorrows, But thy day of toil is o'er; Help us while we journey onward Lead us to the peaceful shore. Hail St. Joseph, just and holy, Loving children breathe thy name; Here below, through toil and danger, Love and care from thee we claim. O Blessed St. Joseph O blessed St Joseph how great was your worth. The one chosen shadow of God upon earth, The father of Jesus —ah then you then be, Sweet spouse of our Lady, a father to me. For You to the pilgrim are Father and Guide, And Jesus and Mary felt safe by Your side; Ah, Blessed Saint Joseph, how safe I should be, Sweet spouse of our Lady! if You were with me! When the treasures of God were unsheltered on earth, Safekeeping was found for Them both in Your worth: O Father of Jesus, be father to me, Sweet spouse of our Lady! and I will love Thee. St. Joseph is symbolized by carpenters' tools and the lily, and is usually represented in art holding the Baby Jesus. He is the patron of the Church, the dying, a holy death (because it is believed he died in the company of Our Lord and Lady), happy family life, married people, carpenters, workers, and the fight against Communism. Other devotions and customs related to St. Joseph throughout the year includ the following: the celebration of 1 May as the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, a Feast instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1956 special devotions to him on Wednesdays and during the month of March the St. Joseph Scapular St. Joseph's Cinctures praying the Litany to St. Joseph burying St. Joseph statues or medals when trying to sell a home it is an old custom for some couples to abstain from the marital act on the first night of their honeymoon, dedicating the first night of marriage to St. Joseph (making the night "St. Joseph's Night"), and performing some devotion to the Saint. This is in keeping with the spirit of Tobias who, with his wife, Sara, spent the first three days and nights or their marriage in prayer (Tobit 6:16-22) adding the prayer to St. Joseph at the ends of Rosaries during the month of October the Consecration to St. Joseph To read more about St. Joseph, see these books, in pdf format, following from this site's Catholic Library: The Protoevangelium of St. James St. Joseph: his Life, his Virtues, his Privileges, his Power: a Month of March in his Honour The Life And Glories Of St. Joseph Husband Of Mary, Foster-Father Of Jesus, And Patron Of The Universal Church    Reading Autobiography by St. Teresa of Avila I took for my patron and lord the glorious St. Joseph, and recommended myself earnestly to him. I saw clearly that both out of this my present trouble, and out of others of greater importance, relating to my honour and the loss of my soul, this my father and lord delivered me, and rendered me greater services than I knew how to ask for. I cannot call to mind that I have ever asked him at any time for anything which he has not granted; and I am filled with amazement when I consider the great favours which God hath given me through this blessed Saint; the dangers from which he hath delivered me, both of body and of soul. To other Saints, our Lord seems to have given grace to succour men in some special necessity; but to this glorious Saint, I know by experience, to help us in all: and our Lord would have us understand that as He was Himself subject to him upon earth--for St. Joseph having the title of father, and being His guardian, could command Him--so now in heaven He performs all his petitions. I have asked others to recommend themselves to St. Joseph, and they too know this by experience; and there are many who are now of late devout to him, having had experience of this truth... ...Would that I could persuade all men to be devout to this glorious Saint; for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God. I have never known any one who was really devout to him, and who honoured him by particular services, who did not visibly grow more and more in virtue; for he helps in a special way those souls who commend themselves to him. It is now some years since I have always on his feast asked him for something, and I always have it. If the petition be in any way amiss, he directs it aright for my greater good. If I were a person who had authority to write, it would be a pleasure to me to be diffusive in speaking most minutely of the graces which this glorious Saint has obtained for me and for others. But that I may not go beyond the commandment that is laid upon me, I must in many things be more brief than I could wish, and more diffusive than is necessary in others; for, in short, I am a person who, in all that is good, has but little discretion. But I ask, for the love of God, that he who does not believe me will make the trial for himself--when he will see by experience the great good that results from commending oneself to this glorious patriarch, and being devout to him. Those who give themselves to prayer should in a special manner have always a devotion to St. Joseph; for I know not how any man can think of the Queen of the angels, during the time that she suffered so much with the Infant Jesus, without giving thanks to St. Joseph for the services he rendered them then. He who cannot find any one to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious Saint for his master, and he will not wander out of the way. Sermon 2, On St Joseph By St. Bernardine of Siena This is the general rule that applies to all individual graces given to a rational creature. Whenever divine grace selects someone to receive a particular grace, or some especially favoured position, all the gifts for his state are given to that person, and enrich him abundantly. This is especially true of that holy man Joseph, the supposed father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and true husband of the queen of the world and of the angels. He was chosen by the eternal Father to be the faithful foster-parent and guardian of the most precious treasures of God, his Son and his spouse. This was the task which he so faithfully carried out. For this, the Lord said to him, "Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord." A comparison can be made between Joseph and the whole Church of Christ. Joseph was the specially chosen man through whom and under whom Christ entered the world fittingly and in an appropriate way. So, if the whole Church is in the debt of the Virgin Mary, since, through her, it was able to receive the Christ, surely after her, it also owes to Joseph special thanks and veneration. For he it is who marks the closing of the Old Testament. In him the dignity of the prophets and patriarchs achieves its promised fulfilment. Moreover; he alone possessed in the flesh what God in His goodness promised to them over and again. It is beyond doubt that Christ did not deny to Joseph in heaven that intimacy, respect, and high honour which He showed to him as to a father during His own human life, but rather completed and perfected it. Justifiably the words of the Lord should be applied to him, "Enter into the joy of your Lord." Although it is the joy of eternal happiness that comes into the heart of man, the Lord prefers to say to him "enter into joy". The mystical implication is that this joy is not just inside man, but surrounds him everywhere and absorbs him, as if he were plunged in an infinite abyss. Therefore be mindful of us, blessed Joseph, and intercede for us with Him Whom men thought to be your Son. Win for us the favour of the most Blessed Virgin your spouse, the mother of Him Who lives and reigns with the Holy Spirit through ages unending. Amen.

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