Saint Joseph

St Joseph History

The Observance of Saint Joseph recognises the life and contributions of Joseph, the husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. Revered by many Christian denominations across the world, Saint Joseph is venerated as the patron saint of workers, symbolising the dignity of human labour. The observance seeks to commemorate the humility, integrity, and devotion exhibited by Saint Joseph, reminding the faithful to blend spirituality with everyday life.

Historically, Saint Joseph's Day emerged as a feast day in the 10th century, growing in prominence with the passage of time, eventually being honoured with a day of celebration by Pope Pius IX in 1870. Notably, Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the universal church, making his observance resonate with individuals irrespective of geographic constraints. In Australia, Saint Joseph holds a special place among the Catholic population, which constitutes a considerable percentage of the diverse Australian populace. Many Australian Catholics cherish Saint Joseph as a role model of humble servitude and unwavering faith.

The observance of Saint Joseph’s Day in Australia often comprises a blend of religious and cultural activities. Special masses and prayers are held in churches, with sermons highlighting Saint Joseph's virtues. These celebrations tend to be community-centric, involving feasts and gatherings that foster community spirit and collective worship. Interestingly, the feast day falls on March 19th every year; however, when it falls within Holy Week, it gets moved to another date to avoid a clash with other significant liturgical events.

Facts about Saint Joseph

• Joseph is noted in the Bible for being a direct descendant of King David in the Old Testament, which gives him a royal lineage (Matthew 1:1-16, Luke 3:23-38).
  
• St. Joseph actually has two feast days in the Roman Catholic Church. The March 19 date celebrates him as husband of Mary. He is revered again on May 1 as a worker. In the Orthodox tradition, Joseph is revered during the Great Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord in September.
• There is a St. Joseph's Cathedral in Rockhampton, Queensland. The cathedral is one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in Australia and is regarded as the second-most significant Catholic cathedral in Queensland.
• Many hospitals, aged-care facilities, and special ministries to the homeless, refugees, and those affected by injustice are conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph in the spirit of their patrons, St. Joseph and St. Mary MacKillop.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Saint Joseph

Top things to do in Australia for Saint Joseph's Day

• Practice carpentry skills to build something. Jesus is known as the son of a carpenter, or builder. Saint Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters.
• Visit an Italian bakery and pick up St Joseph's bread (Pane di San Giuseppe). St. Joseph's Bread is typically made with egg and has a thicker crust. It is often marked or shaped in a cross.
• Read a book to learn more about Saint Joseph:
  Saint Joseph: His Life and His Role in the Church Today - by Louise Perrotta
  Joseph, the Man Who Raised Jesus - by Fr. Gary Caster
• Visit the St Joseph's Cathedral in Rockhampton, Queensland.