Saint Joseph is well known as the Patron Saint of fathers, both families and virgins, workers, especially carpenters, expectant mothers and unborn children. Among many others, he is the Patron Saint of attorneys and barristers, emigrants, travellers and house hunters. As the Feast Day of St. Joseph approaches, BETTY AMUKPO takes on some children on the life and times of St. Joseph. Excerpts:
‘He was known to be obedient, faithful, noble, hardworking and determined’
St. Joseph was a descendant of the house of King David. He was known to be an obedient, faithful leader, noble, hardworking and determined gentleman. St. Joseph is Jesus’ earthly father and Virgin Mary’s spouse. According to Matthew 1:19, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose Mary to public disgrace, he decided to divorce her quietly, an Angel told him that the child was son of God and was conceived by the Holy Spirit. St. Joseph is the Patron Saint of Universal Church in Roman Catholicism.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘St. Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the foster father of our Lord Jesus’
St. Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the foster father of our Lord Jesus. Scripture tells us that St. Joseph worked as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55). He was not rich (Luke 2:24). St. Joseph came from a royal lineage (Matthew 1:1-16 and Luke 3:23-38). St. Joseph was compassionate and caring. St. Joseph loved Jesus. His primary concern was for the safety of the child entrusted to him. The Catholic Church celebrates two feast days of St. Joseph: March 19 for “Joseph the Husband of Mary,” and May 1, for “Joseph the Worker.” Much remains unknown about St. Joseph, but the Sacred Scripture offers a most important insight: That he was “a righteous man” (Matthew 1:18). St. Joseph, pray for us!
• Josephine Oluwakomi
‘St. Joseph was a descendant of the house of King David’
St. Joseph was a descendant of the house of King David. After marrying Mary, he found her already pregnant and, “being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace” (Matthew 1:19), he decided to divorce her quietly, but an angel told him that the child was the Son of God, and was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The month of March is known as the Month of St. Joseph and is punctuated by the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary on March 19. Joseph’s life was filled with a great deal of hallowed mystery. God had asked him to live in mystery and to be a husband and father of faith. He fulfilled that role of “protector of the sacred” by giving Mary and Jesus what was just, everything that was due to them.
• Victoria Okefe
‘St. Joseph’s humility, obedience, and care exemplify devotion and fatherhood’
St. Joseph’s life is documented in the New Testament. He was the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. His statement is not mentioned in the Bible. However, his role in protecting and nurturing Jesus is highlighted. References include, Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-15, 19-23, Luke 2:4-7, 39-52. St. Joseph’s humility, obedience, and care exemplify devotion and fatherhood, guiding believers through his silent, yet significant presence in the Gospels.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘He was a humble carpenter and a righteous man’
St. Joseph was the earthly father of Jesus. He was a humble carpenter and a righteous man. In the Bible, you can find references to St. Joseph in the books of Matthew and Luke. Matthew 1:18-25 tells the story of how he learned about Mary’s pregnancy and his role in raising Jesus. Luke 2:41-52 mentions Joseph’s presence when Jesus was found in the temple. St. Joseph is known for his faith, obedience, and love for his family.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘St. Joseph was a man who had the fear of God and followed God’s command’
St. Joseph was a man who had the fear of God in him and followed God’s command to bear the burden of Mary Mother of Jesus Christ. Thus, his believe in God and following God’s command was illustrated with this biblical verse which can be found in the gospel of Matthew 1:20 which reads: “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
• Eyinade Gideon
‘Being a good and hardworking father, he taught Jesus carpentry’
St. Joseph, the husband of our Blessed Mother Mary, was a descendant of King David (Matthew 1:16.) He was a just man (Matthew 1:19) who lived in obedience to God (Matthew 1:24). He was noble and selfless (Matthew 1: 25). Being a good and hardworking father, he taught Jesus carpentry. Also, he was spiritually sound (Matthew 1:20).
• Sarah Adeosun
‘His full name was Yosef Ben Yaakov’
Joseph is the son of Jacob. His full name was Yosef Ben Yaakov. Joseph was a descendant of King David. The month of March is known as the month of St. Joseph. He was born in Circa 100 B.C.E. being a righteous man who has some virtues like:
• A beloved father.
• A Father in the shadows.
• A creative courageous father and accepting father.
• A tender and loving father.
• A working father.
Despite his critical role in the Holy Family, St. Joseph was curiously silent in the scripture, being spoken of, but never actually speaking. Throughout the Old and New Testament, Joseph remains a worthwhile title demonstrating the merits that lie in fostering a forgiving, kind and open heart. The name Joseph means “God shall add.”
• Anita Chima
• Sources: www. Stjosephsentul. org, www. Quora.com
