SOLEMNITY

The first traces of veneration of Saint Joseph can be found in the 8/9th century in Egypt, with a commemoration on July 20. His feast on March 19 is attested since the 11/12th century and it spread especially under the influence of the Franciscan order in the 14th century. Sixtus IV introduced it as a feast for the whole Church.

The new missal lists it as Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The liturgical readings outline God’s plan through history: 2 Sam (The Lord God will give him the throne of Davi, his father), Rom (Abraham believed against hope), Matt (Joseph did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him) or Luke (Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety).

Another feast day of Saint Joseph was instituted by pope Pius XII in 1955 and is celebrated on May 1, which corresponds to the day of labor honored in many countries.