95 Traits Of Saint Joseph: March 19, Solemnity Of St. Joseph

Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph! from Formed by a Flame

Happy Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Or St. Joseph’s Day or Feast of St. Joseph! Whichever you’d like to call it!

In addition to Sundays and the Annunciation later this month, March 19th is a reason to celebrate in the midst of lent!

St. Joseph Novena Study Recap

The last 9 days in our St. Joseph Novena Study, we reflected on the virtues, roles, and characteristics of this great saint under some of his many titles. Each day’s post contains a list and some reflection on the main title of St. Joseph or themes from the list. We covered:

Throughout these days, we have accumulated an impressive list.

St. Joseph Novena List

Foster-father of Jesus
Protector
Genuine heart
Love
Self-sacrifice
Provided for Him food, clothing, and a home
Teacher
Unselfishness
Powerful
Great
Faithful
Intercessor
Husband
Calm
Humble
Deep virtue
Purity
Sanctity
Guardianship
Support
Companion
Comforter
Loyal in poverty, journeying, work, and pain
Representative of God the Father
Imitation of Jesus
Consecrated to Jesus
Holiest
Head of The Holy Family
Educator and guide
Cooperate as the instrument of the Holy Spirit
Obeyed (without complaint)
Carried out work of Holy Spirit
Full of the spirit and wise (Gen 41:38)
Personal servant of Jesus Christ
Good
Cared for the House of God
Perfect obedience
Commanding
Disciple
Submitted
Simple faith
Neglected nothing
Took in commands
Perfect devotedness
Cheerful
Generous giving
Ready to die
Nourishing
Defending
Poor and suffering
Faithful servant of Jesus and Mary
Patron of the Church
Starting point of the Church
Means of bringing the Redeemer
Sheltered
Preserved
Patriarch (of patriarchs)
Descendant of David
Forbear of Christ
Most venerable, exalted, and amiable of all the patriarchs
Chosen
Gentle
Divine charity
Union of heart and mind
Respect
Admiration for Mary
Peaceful
Happy
Fatherly rule
Counselor
Consolation
Model of piety
Earnest and Devout Trust in God’s Providence
Laborer
Worker (in the presence of God)
Content
Mind turned to God
Spirit of prayer
Grace
Bore suffering like Christ
Patient
Confidence
Gratitude
Martyr of the hidden life
Kind
Sympathetic to those in need
United with Jesus and Mary
Share in Mary’s spirit of Sacrifice
Accepted death
Hidden life of virtue
Confidence
Devoted
Received Him
Sacrificed strength, rest, and life
Spirit of resignation to God’s Holy Will

After removing duplicates (though a few similar ones may have been left in) I counted 95 virtues, titles, roles, and other characteristics! I believe this list shows how great of a man St. Joseph is. If I would only look back at this list every now and then to pick a few characteristics to try to live by, then I could be a better man.

As crazy as this list seems, it doesn’t even fully capture St. Joseph.

In honor of St. Joseph, I’ll add his litany here which includes even more of his titles. Which is your favorite or stands out to you?

Litany of St. Joseph

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father in heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Illustrious son of David, pray for us.
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us.
Guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.
Pure Guardian of the Virgin, pray for us.
Provider for the Son of God, pray for us.
Zealous defender of Christ, pray for us.
Servant of Christ, pray for us.
Minister of salvation, pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us.
Joseph, most just, pray for us.
Joseph, most chaste, pray for us.
Joseph, most prudent, pray for us.
Joseph, most brave, pray for us.
Joseph, most obedient, pray for us.
Joseph, most loyal, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model for workers, pray for us.
Glory of family life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Cornerstone of families, pray for us.
Support in difficulties, pray for us.
Comfort of the sorrowing, pray for us.
Hope of the sick, pray for us.
Patron of exiles, pray for us.
Patron of the afflicted, pray for us.
Patron of the poor, pray for us.
Patron of the dying, pray for us.
Terror of demons, pray for us.
Protector of the Holy Church, pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possessions.
Let us pray.

O God, who in your inexpressible providence
were pleased to choose Saint Joseph
as spouse of your most holy Mother,
grant, we pray,
that we, who revere him as our protector on earth,
may be worthy of his heavenly intercession.
Who live and reign for ever and ever.

R. Amen.
Litany of St. Joseph from USCCB