There’s an old Latin phrase, Ite ad Joseph, which simply means, “Go to Joseph.”

Saint Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus, holds special significance for all fathers.

Children look up to their fathers like no one else in the world. When they are young, they treasure even just a few minutes with Daddy. This is a time for a father to make his children feel seen and heard, loved without exception, and to identify anything that is troubling their little hearts. It is a time of listening.

As much as 93% of communication in an adult is non-verbal. It may be even higher in children. Perhaps this is why there is a not a single recorded word spoken by Joseph in the Scriptures. Yet his silent presence spoke volumes. Joseph moved his family under his own and God’s protection to Egypt when King Herod sought to kill the baby Jesus. He provided a stable and loving environment for Jesus to grow in "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52) And he worked with dignity, lovingly passing on his trade to Jesus, who would later be referred to as "the carpenter's son." (Matthew 13:55)

There is so much to be said about Saint Joseph. But there is even more to ponder, and dream about. When it was just Joseph and Jesus alone in a room, what did they talk about? When Jesus was a little boy, did Joseph cradle him in his arms and rock him back and forth? We can imagine he did, because he was a great father. He listened to everything—to what Jesus said and what he didn’t say. He looked into Jesus’ eyes, to gather what he could about his child. He listened to the way Jesus laughed, and he held him close.

Fathers spend their days and weeks, months and years encouraging others. But today, in honor of Saint Joseph, let's not forget that fathers themselves need a little encouragement and reassurance from time to time.

Patron Saint of: Catholic Church, Fathers, Workers, Married People, Persons Living in Exile, The Sick and Dying, For a Holy Death

Symbols: Lilies, Staff, Sandals, Ladder, Saw, Hammer, and Nails

Feast Day: March 19