The Feast of Saint Joseph

Celebrating Jesus Christ’s Earthly Dad

March 19th marks The Feast of Saint Joseph, a day dedicated to honoring the man who had the unique job of raising the Son of God. He’s often called Jesus’ earthly father, foster father, or stepfather—but let’s be honest, “God’s backup dad” has a certain ring to it.

Who Was Saint Joseph?

Joseph, a humble carpenter from Nazareth, was engaged to Mary when he received the news that she was expecting—by divine intervention, no less. Instead of running for the hills or insisting, “Not my kid, not my problem,” Joseph accepted his role with unwavering faith.

Joseph was what you’d call a quiet but strong type. In fact, he never utters a single word in the Bible, yet his actions speak volumes. When an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the Holy Spirit conceived Mary’s child, he didn’t hesitate. He took Mary as his wife and prepared to raise Jesus as his own. That’s commitment—especially considering the side-eyes and whispers he probably endured from skeptical neighbors.

Despite the divine nature of his son’s arrival, Joseph’s life was far from glamorous. As a working-class man, he spent his days as a carpenter, ensuring there was food on the table and a roof over their heads. He likely taught Jesus how to handle a saw and a hammer, making him the first person to ever hear the phrase, “Measure twice, cut once.”

Joseph’s fatherly duties also included keeping Jesus safe. When King Herod sought to eliminate all male infants in Bethlehem, Joseph once again received an angelic warning in a dream. Without hesitation, he packed up his family and fled to Egypt. It was a life on the run, but Joseph ensured they had shelter, food, and protection. He was, in every sense, a devoted husband and father.

While we don’t know much about his later years, it is widely believed that Joseph passed away before Jesus began his public ministry. This absence from the Gospel accounts suggests that he had already fulfilled his role, guiding and shaping Jesus into adulthood before quietly exiting the stage.

The Patron Saint of… Everything?

Saint Joseph isn’t just the patron saint of fathers. His role as Jesus’ earthly father was only the beginning of his divine job description. Over the centuries, he has become the go-to saint for an impressive number of causes. If you need divine intercession, chances are, Joseph’s got you covered.

His primary patronage is over workers, especially carpenters, laborers, and craftsmen. Since he spent his life toiling away in a woodshop, it’s only fitting that tradespeople see him as their spiritual foreman. But his responsibilities don’t stop there. He’s also the patron saint of the Universal Church, meaning he’s got the whole Catholic Church under his wing.

Joseph is even considered the patron of a “happy death.” Why? Because, according to tradition, he died peacefully with Jesus and Mary by his side—a pretty ideal send-off. He’s also invoked for help with family matters, finding employment, and, curiously, real estate. The tradition of burying a small statue of Saint Joseph upside down in the yard to sell a house has been around for ages, proving that even in the afterlife, Joseph is still lending a hand with home improvement.

How is The Feast of Saint Joseph Celebrated?

Since March 19th falls during Lent, one might assume the celebrations would be subdued, but that’s far from the case. While meat is traditionally off the menu, the feast is still a grand affair filled with delicious food, joyful gatherings, and long-standing traditions that reflect Joseph’s humility and generosity.

One of the most well-known customs is the Saint Joseph’s Table, a large banquet that originated in Sicily. Legend has it that during a severe drought, Sicilians prayed to Saint Joseph for rain. When the rains finally came, they honored him with a feast—and the tradition stuck. Today, these tables are adorned with elaborate breads, pastas, and sweets, offered as both a community gathering and a way to provide for the less fortunate.

Another key symbol of the feast is the fava bean, which is considered a lucky charm. During times of famine, fava beans were one of the few crops that could still grow, so they became a symbol of sustenance and survival. Many believers keep a dried fava bean in their wallets as a token of good fortune.

No celebration of Saint Joseph would be complete without Zeppole and Sfinge, two irresistible Italian pastries filled with custard or ricotta. These treats are a delicious reminder that faith and good food often go hand in hand.

So, this March 19th, take a moment to appreciate Saint Joseph—patron saint of fathers, workers, and all those who step up when duty calls. And if you find yourself enjoying an extra slice of zeppole, just tell people you’re celebrating properly.

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