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St Joseph - Patron of the Diocese

What little we know of Joseph is found in the first two chapters of Matthew and of Luke.  He is mentioned only in passing in Luke 3:23; John 1:45; John 6:42 as the supposed father of Jesus.  He is not mentioned by Mark at all.

Where a man of lesser character might have reacted very differently, Joseph graciously assumed the role of Jesus' father.  He is well remembered in Christian tradition for the love he showed to the boy Jesus, and for his tender affection and care for Mary, during the twelve years and more that he was their protector.  Joseph was a pious Jew, a descendant of David, and a carpenter by trade.

Joseph's influence during the early years must have been tremendous.  When Jesus spoke of God as being like a loving Father, He was using a word that he had first learned as a child to apply to Joseph.  Joseph stands as a testimony to the value of simple everyday human things, and especially that human thing called "fatherhood."
 

Prayers (contemporary language)

O God, who from the family of your servant David raised up Joseph to be the guardian of your incarnate Son and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to imitate his uprightness of life and his obedience to your commands; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

O God, who called your servant Joseph to be the faithful guardian of your incarnate Son, and the spouse of his virgin mother: Give us grace to follow his example in constant worship of you and obedience to your commands, that our homes may be sanctified by your presence, and our children nurtured in your fear and love, through the same your son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.