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People

Saint Joseph

What is saint joseph?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Role Husband of Mary; father of Jesus[2]
Feast day March 19[1]
Second feast day May 1[3]
Patronage Universal church, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, happy death[1]
Gospels Matthew and Luke[2]
Lineage Traced back to King David[2]

Saint Joseph is a biblical figure in Christianity, identified as the husband of Mary and the earthly or legal father of Jesus. He is venerated as a saint, especially in Catholic tradition, where he is also known for patronage of the universal church, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death.

Context

Saint Joseph appears in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where his lineage is traced back to King David [2]. His principal feast day in the Western church is March 19 [4], and he is also honoured as St. Joseph the Worker on May 1 [3]. In Roman Catholicism, he is the patron saint of the universal church [4], and his patronage extends to fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death [1].

Documented claims

  • Saint Joseph is venerated as a saint, especially in Catholic tradition. [2]
  • His principal feast in the Western church is March 19. [4]
  • In Roman Catholicism, he is the patron saint of the universal church. [4]
  • He is also associated with St. Joseph the Worker on May 1. [3]

Questions and answers

What is Saint Joseph known for?

Saint Joseph is known as the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus, and he is venerated as a saint, especially in Catholic tradition [2]. He is also the patron saint of the universal church, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death [1].

What do you pray to Saint Joseph for?

People pray to Saint Joseph for his intercession in matters related to his patronage, including fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death [1].

Why is St. Joseph the patron saint of Canada?

The sources do not specify why Saint Joseph is the patron saint of Canada.

What does Saint Joseph help you with?

Saint Joseph is invoked for help in areas under his patronage, such as work, family, travel, and a peaceful death [1].

Sources

  1. 10 Facts about St. Joseph in Honor of his Feast Day — sju.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. St. Joseph - Saints & Angels — catholic.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Saint Joseph - Life, Facts & Mary - Biography — biography.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. 11 Quick Facts about St. Joseph the Worker—Plus a Prayer! — epicpew.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in People