Faith In The Home: St Joseph

In this Faith in the Home article, Dr Antonia Braithwaite discusses the ways in which St Joseph and his quiet, faithful care for his family shows how holiness is found in ordinary daily life and offers a powerful model for modern families seeking to live with trust in God, love and hidden sanctity.

March brings the feast of St Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. He is an immensely loved saint and one who, despite his silence, speaks powerfully to modern families. Not a single word of his is recorded in the Bible, yet his actions reveal a deep trust in God and a steadfast commitment to his family.

St Joseph reminds us that holiness grows in ordinary, hidden moments, and Catholic tradition has long celebrated this “hidden holiness”. St Thérèse of Lisieux called it the Little Way: doing ordinary things with extraordinary love, patience and joy. She taught that sweeping a floor, offering a smile, or patiently caring for others could become acts of great holiness when done for love of God. Similarly, St Josemaría Escrivá emphasised the sanctification of daily life, teaching that work, family responsibilities and simple duties are paths to sainthood.

This vision is echoed in the Second Vatican Council document Lumen Gentium, which affirms the universal call to holiness: holiness is not just for priests and religious, but for parents, children and all the faithful. Holiness is not reserved for dramatic miracles or public achievements; it is woven into cooking meals, forgiving siblings, listening after a long day and praying together.

St Joseph embodies this theology. He did not preach or perform recorded miracles, yet his obedience, diligence and tenderness made his home a sanctuary where Jesus grew in wisdom and grace. His carpentry, his listening heart and his trust in God’s guidance were all acts of quiet sanctity.

The whole month of March is dedicated to St Joseph, and his feast is celebrated on 19 March. He is the patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travellers, immigrants and a happy death. He is recommended as a powerful intercessor and friend by countless saints and Popes.

“There are many saints to whom God has given the power to assist us in the necessities of life, but the power given to St Joseph is unlimited: it extends to all our needs, and all those who invoke him with confidence are sure to be heard.” — St Thomas Aquinas

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