Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of Matthew (1: 16, 18-21, 24) where Joseph accepts Jesus as his son. Fr Paul says, we really don’t know anything else about St Joseph except what is said about him in the Gospels. Joseph was a carpenter; he accepted the will of God; and he supported Mary and brought up Jesus. From the human character of his son we can see that Joseph was a good and responsible father. He is widely venerated as a patron saint of artisans who honourably do good work with the gifts God has given them, and of workers in general. Fr Paul says, to those who exercise the role of an adoptive parent, whether formally or informally, whether over one child or as the support of a whole family, Joseph is a source of inspiration.

Today we ask, St Joseph…Pray for us.