St. Joseph

St. Joseph is honored for his labors as a carpenter in providing for his family’s needs in Nazareth.

“We, the Carmelites of Salt Lake City, have known St. Joseph to be responsible for many miracles in our time for our Carmel.”

Companions of the Cross Father Carlos Martins will present “Exposition of Sacred Relics: Treasures of the Church” in four churches in the diocese in early May.

Pope Francis wants us to invoke St. Joseph’s protection, “to seek his prayers and guidance, and to learn from the example of his virtue,” said Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, during a special national Mass.

The message, released at the Vatican March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, was dedicated to the saint and “the dream of vocation.”

Like St. Joseph who had other plans for his life, but lovingly embraced his role as Jesus’ foster father, a priest assigned to a new parish cannot impose his own ways on that community, Pope Francis said.

“St. Joseph is an example to all fathers of providing a daily witness of true strength and gentleness, preparing our children well in the ordinary moments of each day.”

St. Joseph’s Day, on March 19, is on a Friday in Lent, a day Catholics are required to abstain from meat.