10-St Joseph Chapel

This statue depicts the last hours of St Joseph. Venerable traditions concerning the passing of St. Joseph believe that he passed away before Jesus started his public ministry. The Gospels offer indications that St. Joseph had passed away because Jesus is often referred to as the Son of Mary, which would only take place in 1st century Jewish culture if your father, whom St. Joseph was perceived to be of Jesus, had passed away.

The scene is St Joseph on his death bed with Mary praying over him and Jesus giving his blessing.

Matthew’s gospel characterizes him as a “just man” (1:19). He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, and people call upon his aid for workers, families, home buyers and sellers, and the grace of a happy death, among other requests. St. Thomas Aquinas once noted that St. Joseph is unique among patron saints in that he is able to assist us at any time for anything.

O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your divine son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss his fine head for me, and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.
Amen