Saint Joseph’s Day is celebrated on March 20. This event is held annually in honor of Saint Joseph. St. Joseph was the legal guardian of Jesus Christ and the patron saint of laborers in the Catholic Church.
Lutherans commemorate this day in honor of his work by constructing food-laden altars outside their homes. These commodities can be consumed by anyone in need of food. The day is also known as the Saint Joseph Solemnity. This holiday is traditionally observed in various ways by Christians worldwide. However, members of other faiths have also adopted the celebration.
The background of Feast of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph, according to Christian beliefs, was a man from Nazareth in the first century who married the Virgin Mary after the birth of Jesus Christ. The church honors him as Mary’s lifelong companion, but he remains celibate and a virgin until his death, which occurred in the presence of Jesus and Mary.
Luke and Matthew place Saint Joseph as the lawful father of Jesus within the context of his descent from King David. The Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope Pius IX, proclaimed Joseph to be its patron and protector.
Every country with a significant Catholic population observes this day during Lent. On this day, they observe a strict fast and abstinence while providing food to the impoverished and disadvantaged.
These renowned customs are indigenous to Italy, Malta, Spain, and Poland. In contrast to other festivals whose traditions have evolved over time, Saint Joseph’s days have remained unchanged. This is because the celebration has spread to countries with a significant catholic population.
On this day, it is customary to wear red clothing, give sustenance to the less fortunate, and fast. This day is interpreted rather symbolically in some regions of the globe.
Since Joseph was Jesus’ father, his life serves as an example of how a father figure should behave. Consequently, some cultures commemorate both Saint Joseph and fathers on Father’s Day. Additionally, the day is commemorated by reciting a variety of English, Italian, and Spanish scriptures.
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5 FACTS ABOUT SAINT JOSEPH EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
Saint Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, families, expectant fathers, and expecting mothers.
On the 150th anniversary of Joseph’s designation as the patron saint of the Universal Church, Pope Francis announced that the year of Saint Joseph will begin on December 8, 2020.
On this day, Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia, United States) commemorates its Annual Day of Giving.
Saint Joseph is typically depicted as an elderly man with gray hair in images of Jesus and Mary.
Saint Joseph is not quoted in the Bible, and there are few references to his life in the second century A.D.
FEAST OF SAINT JOSEPH DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 20 | Monday |
| 2024 | March 20 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | March 20 | Thursday |
| 2026 | March 20 | Friday |
| 2027 | March 20 | Saturday |