Saint Joseph

Today, March 19 on the Church Calendar is the Feast of Saint Joseph who was the foster/ adoptive father of Jesus and husband of Mary.  St. Joseph is also the name I chose as my “Saint Name” on the day I made my confirmation receiving a “slap” on my cheek by the Bishop of Philadelphia signifying my receiving the Holy Spirit.

I was about 13 years old at the time remembering how impressed I was and why I chose Joseph as my “Saint Name.”  Joseph willingly took Mary as his wife who was expecting a son that he was told would not be his.  I admired Joseph because he was entrusted by God to take Mary as his wife and raise Jesus as his own son; thus God blessed and honored him. 

Joseph is the express image of what a foster/ adoptive father should be, loving and caring for the children entrusted to them.  If you have watched the episode on “The Chosen,” season three in which Mary reflects on the “father and son” interaction of Joseph and Jesus, you get a real human experience. 

Although taking a saint name at confirmation is a practice I no longer adhere to today, the memory and experience I had and the reason for selecting my “Saint Name” will always be a part of me.


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