Here Are Some Curious Facts You Might Not Know About St. Joseph

Malta is marking a public holiday today in honour of the Solemnity of St. Joseph, one of the most important feast days in the Catholic calendar. While many know him as the foster father of Jesus and the husband of the Virgin Mary, there are several fascinating facts about St. Joseph that often go unnoticed.

One of the most surprising facts is that not a single word spoken by St. Joseph is recorded in the Bible. Despite his central role in the story of Jesus’ early life, he is portrayed as a quiet figure whose actions, rather than words, define his character.

St. Joseph is also known as the patron saint of workers, which is why he is often depicted as a carpenter. His feast on May 1st, celebrated as St. Joseph the Worker, was established later to highlight the dignity of labour and working people.

Another interesting detail is that devotion to St. Joseph grew significantly many centuries after his lifetime. While always respected, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that his importance became more widely recognised across the Church.

In art and tradition, St. Joseph is often shown as an older man, but this is not confirmed in scripture. This portrayal was mainly used to emphasise his role as a protector and guardian rather than a central figure in the Holy Family.

He is also considered the patron saint of a happy death, as tradition holds that he died in the presence of Jesus and Mary, making his passing a peaceful one.

Today, as Malta celebrates this public holiday, these lesser-known facts add another layer of appreciation to a figure who, despite his quiet presence, remains one of the most important and respected saints in Christianity.

#MaltaDaily