St Joseph

“O happy man St Joseph, to you it was given to see and hear the God whom many kings longed to see, but did not see and longed to hear, but did not hear. You were privileged to bear God in your hands, to kiss him, to dress him and watch over him.”

 

St Joseph, in his great role of the head and protector of the Holy Family is the model of male meekness and humility, purity and innocence. He remains ever in the background of the Gospel narrative, quietly bearing witness in wonder, working hard and totally devoted to both Mary and Jesus’ welfare.

 

In this symbol, I have combined the lillies of purity that St Joseph traditionally bears in his images with the tool of his trade, the Carpenter’s Square, which he is also frequently seen carrying.