St. Joseph's Day

St. Joseph's Day, or the Feast of Saint Joseph, is celebrated every year on March 19. It is a religious observance also known as a feast day.

It commemorates Saint Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary and Jesus's Stepfather. This day is thought to have been his birthday.

It is a time to honor the life and virtues of Saint Joseph, the humble carpenter who became the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus.

Known for his unwavering faith, kindness, and dedication to his family, Saint Joseph is a symbol of strength, compassion, and selfless love.

This special day is cherished by many Christian communities worldwide, bringing people together for prayers, feasts, and acts of charity, all inspired by the example of this beloved saint.

It is not a public holiday, and as such businesses and schools are open, and it is a regular workday. 

The History of St. Joseph's Day

The Feast of Saint Joseph honors Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and husband of Mary. It is celebrated on March 19 each year by Catholics and some Christian communities worldwide.

The tradition of celebrating Saint Joseph dates back to the early Church. However, it became more widespread in the 14th century when Pope Gregory XV officially included it in the Church’s calendar in 1621.

This feast acknowledges Saint Joseph's role as a faithful protector of Jesus and Mary. It highlights his qualities as a loving father, humble worker, and devoted follower of God’s plan.

In many countries, especially in Italy, the feast is marked with special traditions and meals. Saint Joseph is also regarded as a patron of workers and the protector of families, which led to the addition of May 1st as the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955 by Pope Pius XII.

Today, people celebrate by attending Mass, sharing meals, and performing acts of charity. Saint Joseph’s life of faith and humility continues to inspire devotion around the world.

Who Was Saint Joseph

Saint Joseph was the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, chosen by God to play a vital role in the story of salvation. He lived in Nazareth and worked as a carpenter, coming from the royal lineage of King David.

Known for his deep faith, humility, and obedience to God, Joseph accepted his extraordinary role with courage. When he discovered Mary was pregnant before they came together, he initially planned to divorce her quietly to spare her shame. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, explaining that the child was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Trusting God, Joseph took Mary as his wife and cared for her and the child Jesus.

Joseph’s protective nature is seen when he fled to Egypt with his family after being warned by an angel about King Herod’s plan to kill Jesus. He later returned to Nazareth when it was safe, providing a stable and loving home for Mary and Jesus.

Throughout his life, Joseph demonstrated unwavering faith and selflessness, putting his family’s well-being above his own. He is honored as a model of fatherhood, a faithful protector, and a humble servant of God’s plan.

Saint Joseph is celebrated as the patron of fathers, workers, and the universal Church. His life of faith and devotion continues to inspire believers worldwide.

Saint Joseph's Day Celebration

During a period of famine in Sicily, where crops weren't prospering, Italians prayed to St. Joseph for successful harvests. These prayers were answered, and with enough yields, the famine ended for the poor people.

To give thanks, Italians began giving annual offerings of food for the saint, these were placed on altars known as Saint Joseph's Tables. These celebrations have continued to this day. 

In the United States, this tradition is still observed in New Orleans, where there is a large Sicilian community.

Saint Joseph's Day is an event that is celebrated across the whole city, with public and private altars being built filled with food such as pasta, fish, bread, cakes, pastries, and fava beans.

The food must be meatless, as March 19 happens during lent. These altars are blessed by a priest and hold a statue of St. Joseph. Afterward, the food is donated to charities. 

New Orleans also hosts big Saint Joseph Day parades, similar to the ones of Mardi Gras. Some people believe that burying a Saint Joseph statue upside down will help them sell their house. 

Saint Joseph's Day is also celebrated in other parts of the United States where there are big Italian communities, such as New York, Chicago, Kansas, and Rhode Island.

In these places, people observe the day by following the tradition of wearing red.