Fr Paul Gooley reads today from the Matthew (1: 16, 18-21, 24) in tells of times early in the relationship of Joseph and Mary. Afterwards, Fr Paul shares a little about the St Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose memorial we celebrate today.

Fr Paul says we know nothing else about St Joseph except what is said about him in the Gospels. He 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 he 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.

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, Jospeh is a source of inspiration.

On this day, Fr Paul invites us to ask, ‘St Joseph…Pray for us!’