The Catholic Church has always had Saint Joseph as its ‘patron saint’ and protector. As noted before, this special mission was officially explained by Pope Pius IX in 1847.
Saint Teresa of Ávila had already deepened and spread devotion to the Holy Custos as a result of the miracle of the recovery of her health, obtained through her intercession. Teresa used to say: “Other saints seem to have special power to solve certain problems. But God has given Saint Joseph great power to help in everything.”
At another moment the saint continues: “For 40 years, every year on the feast of Saint Joseph I have asked him for some special grace or favor, and he has not failed me even once. I tell those who listen to me to try praying with faith to this great saint, and they will see what great fruits they will achieve.”
The wand of Saint Joseph
A popular tradition says that twelve young men intended to marry Mary and each appeared before her with a wooden cane in their hand, in the style of the time. Suddenly, when the Virgin had to choose between all of them, Joseph’s staff – who was one of the suitors – miraculously blossomed.
María’s eyes, at that moment, focused on him. This is said to be the reason why the saint is usually represented with a ‘flowering rod’ in his hands. The wand of Saint Joseph is therefore also a symbol of purity.
Saint Joseph, chaste husband of the Virgin Mary, pray for us!
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Do you want to delve deeper into the figure of Saint Joseph and increase your devotion to him? You can read this article from the Catholic Encyclopedia: https://ec.aciprensa.com/wiki/San_JosIt is.