From the desk of the Tar Heel disciple:
March 19, 2026 (#86)
The Solemnity of Saint Joseph
Since the 10th century, the Roman Catholic Church has celebrated the feast of Saint Joseph on March 19. Following the latest major reform of the General Roman Calendar in 1969, the day is classified as a “solemnity,” which gives it the privilege of being observed even during Lenten weekdays, when it commonly occurs. Any daily Mass-goer would recognize the marks of a major feast in that there are three Scripture readings during the Mass of the day, and the Gloria and Creed must be sung or recited. Such is the dignity of Saint Joseph and his feast that If March 19 falls on a Sunday of Lent or on any day in Holy Week, when it cannot be observed, the liturgical celebration is transferred to the next available date, that is, following Easter Week.
Given the increased liturgical and devotional attention to Saint Joseph in the last few centuries, it may surprise many Catholics to learn that there is little or no evidence of devotion to Saint Joseph before the 9th century. However, in 1870, Pope Blessed Pius IX proclaimed Joseph to be the “Patron of the Universal Church,” and in 1955, Pope Venerable Pius XII established an additional feast (now an “optional memorial”) of Saint Joseph the Worker on May 1st. Pope St. John XXIII, in 1962, added the name of Saint Joseph to the Roman Canon, and in 2013, the late Pope Francis added his name to all of the Eucharistic Prayers of the Roman Catholic Church.
In some Catholic circles, it has become popular to make a consecration to Saint Joseph, similar to the consecration to the Blessed Mother made so popular by Saint Louis de Montfort. Father Donald Calloway, MIC, has written a book, Consecration to Saint Joseph (Marian Press, 2020), to assist anyone wishing to make a preparation for 30 days In anticipation of such a consecration. His step-by-step explanation includes reflections on the Scriptural references to Saint Joseph as well as many devotions found around the world related to the saint. He also explores several theological propositions perhaps not so familiar to the majority of believers, such as the possibility of the assumption of Saint Joseph, which was held by some well-known saints of the Church (see pp. 209ff.).
While such a consecration to Saint Joseph could be done at any time during the year, it is especially appropriate to consider making the month-long period of spiritual preparation in the weeks leading to one of the two feast days, March 19 or May 1, and then making the consecration on the feast day itself. And whether one chooses to make the consecration or not, learning more about this important saint and growing in devotion to him is a gift from God and helps in our own formation as sons and daughters of God the Father, whom Saint Joseph reflected so beautifully within the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Father Calloway’s book, Consecration to St. Joseph, can be found at:
https://inhisname.com/products/consecration-to-saint-joseph-35165
For other writings and devotional material related to St. Joseph:
https://inhisname.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=St.+Joseph
