Solemnity of St. Joseph, Principle Patron of Canada

March the 19th is a solemnity in Canada - the Feast of St. Joseph, the Principal Patron of Canada and the Patron Saint of the Universal Church. As a friend of mine used to say: "It is a national day of celebration in my Country!" This would often be said while having a glass of wine!

"Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called the Christ. 

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife."                      Matt. 1:16-24 

When I listen to the Gospel passage for Mass today, I think of the Christmas Classic movie "Its a Wonderful Life". In that movie there is an angel (Clarence) who comes to the main character (George) and shows him how valuable he is. Clarence showed George what life would have been like without him. How much worse off their lives would have been without him.

I think that's the reality of today's Gospel. Imagine if the angel had not appeared to Joseph! Imagine how different things could have been if he had not taken Mary as his wife!

Joseph was willing to place himself in harms way, to be the guide and protector of the Holy Family, and today we celebrate his yes to the plan of God, and his fidelity as the husband of Mary.

May God protect all Husbands and Fathers on this feast day of St. Joseph, and may each man in our parish share in the upright integrity that St. Joseph modeled in his life.

St. Joseph - Pray for us!

Peace