Saint Joseph

St Joseph History

The Observance of Saint Joseph honours Joseph of Nazareth – the earthly father of Jesus Christ based on Christian theology. This observance is particularly relevant to those of the Christian faith and it holds extraordinarily high esteem within the Roman Catholic community where Saint Joseph is regarded as the patron saint of workers, symbolising the significance of honest labour. Besides, he is also venerated as the saint of a happy death due to the belief that he died in the presence of Jesus and Mary.

The acknowledgement to Saint Joseph has historically been discernible within European societies since the tenth century, although it was largely limited to local calendars. It wasn't until the 15th century when it was officially instituted in Rome, from where it subsequently expanded to the wider European continent. Within the European Union specifically, there's a particular significance associated with Saint Joseph’s virtues of humility, commitment to workers’ rights as well as emphasis on family. He is emblematic of core values that resonate with European Union’s emphasis on human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and respect for human rights.

The Observance of Saint Joseph within the member countries of European Union differs based on local traditions and customs. In some regions, people attend special church services or intercessory prayers seeking his blessings. Some individuals also engage in acts of charity, reflecting Saint Joseph's life of service. Additionally, it's common to see statues and artwork depicting Saint Joseph displayed prominently. Within the European Union, the Observance of Saint Joseph takes place on March 19th, recognized officially as Saint Joseph's Day.

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.
• In Poland, St. Joseph is highly revered and was declared the patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870. A famous Polish hymn is dedicated to him, "Cieszymy się tobą Józefie", translated as "We rejoice in you Joseph."
• The devotion to Saint Joseph is deeply ingrained in the European, and particularly Italian, culture. He is considered the symbol of humble and silent work, and he provides an example of a caring father figure.

In the News and Trending in the EU for Saint Joseph

Top things to do in the EU 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:
  Joseph the Silent - by Michel Gasnier: It provides an insight into the life of Saint Joseph, focusing on his humility and silence.
  Saint Joseph: His Life, His Virtues, His Privileges, His Power - by Thomas H. Kinane: A book which dives into the virtues and powers of Saint Joseph.
• Attend the "Las Fallas" Festival, where enormous floats made of wood and paper-mache are paraded through the city streets, and then set on fire. It's a fantastic spectacle of art, culture and tradition.