7 Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph

Not only does the Church honor Saint Joseph with special devotion every Wednesday but it also dedicates the entire month of March to him, leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph in March. The Solemnity is usually celebrated on March 19; however, this year the feast has been transferred to March 20 since the Lenten Sunday liturgy takes precedence.

People all around the world–from Italy and Spain all the way to New Orleans– celebrate St. Joseph’s Day with special feasts and elaborate traditions.

You can celebrate the earthly father of Jesus and spouse of the Virgin Mary by incorporating one or more of these suggestions in your Domestic Church:

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Pray the Litany of Saint Joseph

As the earthly father of Jesus and spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph is a powerful intercessor for those who place themselves in his care. There are many prayers we can offer to him (including the St. Joseph novena featured on the Pietra Fitness Online studio) but the Litany of St. Joseph, despite its simplicity, is one of the most profound. 

‍The Litany of St. Joseph calls upon this holy man using his many titles including Terror of Demons and Protector of the Holy Church; praying it not only glorifies God in recognizing the great works done through Joseph but also invites us to gain a deeper understanding and love of this saint. 

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Meditate on the life of St. Joseph

While we don’t see (or hear) too much of St. Joseph in the Bible, he plays a powerful role in the Story of Salvation. Spend some time reflecting on his life and learning from his example of humility and trust. 

Try some Ignatian Meditation or Lectio Divina with Sacred Scripture that features Joseph, or spend some time meditating on the Seven Sorrows and Seven Joys of St. Joseph.

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Make a Saint Joseph Altar

The tradition of a St. Joseph Altar began in Sicily. The people of Sicily asked for the prayers of their patron St. Joseph for the end to a drought that had ravished their crops and brought famine. 

When the rain finally came and they could harvest food once more, they set up a little altar of food to offer their gratitude to St. Joseph. This long-standing tradition still exists today and centers on the feast of St. Joseph. 

To set up your own altar, place a statue or image of St. Joseph on a table. You can add candles or other religious items, as well as food to share with family and friends. 

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Eat Some Traditional Food

While this feast day always takes place during Lent, its status as a Solemnity overrides the obligation of fasting and abstinence, so you can enjoy a special meal or treat traditionally associated with St. Joseph’s Day such as artisan breads, pasta, fava beans, and zeppole.

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Make a Pilgrimage

Many people think you need to go somewhere internationally to take a pilgrimage, but you don’t have to go far to get that spiritually-edifying experience. Consider making a local pilgrimage in honor of St. Joseph. 

You can go to a Cathedral named for St. Joseph or even to the St. Joseph statue your home parish for mass and prayer. 

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Consecrate Yourself to St. Joseph

Similar to Total Consecration to Our Lady, you can also consecrate yourself to St. Joseph. This act of consecration means you entrust yourself to the paternal care of Joseph so that he can help you grow in virtue and lead you closer to God.

 Father Donald Calloway, MIC wrote a wonderful book that helps you prepare and make this consecration. 

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Perform a Work of Mercy

The Litany of St. Joseph calls him the Hope of the Sick, and patron of the poor, afflicted, and the dying because he has a special care and concern for the suffering. 

Perform one or more of the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy to honor him during this month. For more ideas on how to practice these works, check out this archived post from our blog.  

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St. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church and of Pietra Fitness– pray for us!

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