The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Joseph
On March 19, we celebrate St. Joseph, the steadfast guardian of Jesus and husband of Mary. The Gospels record no words from him. However, Joseph’s actions speak volumes, his unwavering faith, obedience to Godโs call, and humble strength make him one of the most inspiring figures in Scripture. As the earthly father of Jesus, St. Joseph lived a life of quiet sacrifice, diligent work, and deep trust in Godโs plan. On this day, we honor him not just as the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus, but as a model of virtue, faithfulness, and the kind of steadfast love that shapes families and communities.
Though mentioned sparingly in Scripture, St. Joseph plays a pivotal role in Jesus’ early life as his earthly father and protector. We first meet Joseph in Matthew 1, where his genealogy establishes him as a direct descendant of King David, a crucial detail fulfilling Old Testament prophecy about the Messiahโs lineage.
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Joseph’s Story in Scripture
The Stable in Bethlehem
Josephโs story begins when he discovers that Mary, his betrothed, is expecting a child. Concerned yet compassionate, he resolves to end their engagement quietly to spare her from public disgrace. But God has other plans. In a dream, an angel of the Lord appears, revealing that the child Mary carries is conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel instructs Joseph to take Mary as his wife, and with deep trust, Joseph obeys.
Not long after, a decree from Caesar Augustus requires Joseph to return to Bethlehem, his hometown, for the Roman census. As Luke 2:1-7 recounts, Joseph and Mary make the difficult journey while Mary is great with child. Upon arrival, they find no room at the inn. This forces Joseph to search for a place where Mary can give birth. In a humble stable, Jesus is born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. It’s a moment that would change history forever.
Forty days later, following the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord and offer the required sacrifices. There, they encounter Simeon and Anna, two devout individuals who, by the Holy Spiritโs prompting, recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Fleeing Herod
Josephโs role as protector becomes even more evident when he receives a divine warning in a dream: King Herod seeks to kill the child. Without hesitation, Joseph flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt, safeguarding their lives. After Herodโs death, another angelic message guides them back to Israel, where Joseph chooses to settle his family in Nazareth, Galilee.
Joseph’s Final Appearance
The final mention of Joseph in Scripture comes in Luke 2, during the family’s annual Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When Jesus is twelve years old, Joseph and Mary begin their journey home, assuming Jesus is among their relatives. Realizing he is missing, they frantically return to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days, they find him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions. Mary, overcome with emotion, asks why he has caused them such worry. Jesus responds, “Why were you searching for me? Didnโt you know I had to be in my Fatherโs house?” (Luke 2:49). Though they do not fully understand, Jesus returns home with them to Nazareth, where he remains obedient to his earthly parents.
The Significance of St. Joseph
St. Joseph’s significance lies not in the words he spoke, for none are recorded in Scripture, but in his actions and the virtues he exemplified. His willingness to accept God’s plan for him, despite the personal and societal challenges it presented, underscores his deep faith and trust in God. His actions, accepting Mary, protecting Jesus, and guiding his family, highlight his integral role in God’s salvation plan. Through Joseph, we learn the virtues of patience, courage, and the quiet strength of faith that acts without seeking recognition or reward.
Celebrations Around the World
- Polish families celebrate this day with a St. Joseph’s table in their house, decorated with red and white, cards, and candles.
- In Spain, St. Joseph’s Day is their version of Father’s Day. It is traditional for children to cook their fathers’ breakfast or even give small gifts.
- In the Philippines, it is traditional to hold a banquet for the Holy Family. An old man, a young lady, and a small boy are honored as representatives of the Holy Family. The three sit around a table set with the family’s best silverware and china. They are served a variety of courses.
- In Sicily, Italy, St. Joseph is the patron saint. Traditional foods for the day are a fava bean soup that dates back to ancient times, known as Maccu di San Giuseppe Neopolitan, and a delicious doughnut-type dessert called Zeppole. A recipe for Zeppole can be found at the end of the article.
Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph
- Read stories about St. Joseph from the Bible. Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 2:13-23, or Luke 2.
- Since red is associated with St. Joseph, wear red for the day or decorate your home with red.
- Make Zeppole, an Italian doughnut. (recipe at the bottom of the page)
- Since St. Joseph was a carpenter, let your kids hammer nails into scraps of wood. Talk about the craft of carpentry and how Joseph taught Jesus how to be a carpenter. Or sprinkle a food dish with breadcrumbs to represent sawdust.
- Since St. Joseph was a carpenter who used his hands to provide for the Holy Family, you can also use your hands to provide for others by volunteering at a homeless shelter or local charity.
Zeppole (Italian Donuts)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- zest of ยฝ lemon, optional
- oil for frying, such as peanut oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar, to dust
Instructions
In a large 3-quart saucepan, combine water, milk, butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup flour all at once using a wooden spoon. Once incorporated, place the saucepan back over medium heat and stir constantly for another 1 1/2 to 2 minutes to release extra moisture and partially cook the flour. The dough will look smooth and a thin film will form on the bottom of the pan.
Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to beat on medium speed for one minute to cool the mixture slightly. Add four eggs, one at a time, allowing the eggs to incorporate between each addition fully. Once all the eggs are incorporated, beat another minute until the dough is smooth and forms a thick ribbon when you pull up on the whisk.
Transfer dough to a piping bag with a 1/2-inch opening, or use a large zip bag and cut a 1/2-inch opening at the tip.
Heat oil to 375หF in a Dutch oven with a thermometer attached or in a deep fryer. Once the oil is hot, pipe 1-inch lengths into it, swiftly cutting the dough as you do so. Pipe closer to the surface of the oil to avoid oil splashes.
Fry for 4-5 minutes total, turning them over halfway if they don’t turn on their own. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to soak up extra oil, then dust with powdered sugar to serve.
Image: St. Joseph with the Infant Jesus by Guido Reni (1620). Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Digital editing by Jacob Davis.
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