Saint Joseph – the humble and just carpenter from Nazareth – is undoubtedly the most famous husband in the history of the world. After all, he was chosen as the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Guardian of Jesus, becoming a model for husbands and fathers.
From the beginning, the Church has recognized Saint Joseph as the patron saint of marriages and families, an effective intercessor in difficult and complex matters. He intercedes before God for those suffering and those searching for their path in life, and many miracles are attributed to his intercession. In the 19th century, the Italian nun Benigna Consolata Ferrero received a promise from Saint Joseph to answer requests addressed to him in the form of a letter. Since then, this form of prayer has become a worldwide sensation. The faithful write to Saint Joseph with requests to find a soul mate, expand their family, and help in finding a job or a home.
What is a letter to Saint Joseph?
It is a form of prayer, a form of spiritual entrustment. In the letter, you describe your intentions, such as your desire for marriage, family, or a home, placing them in the hands of the Guardian of the Holy Family. This is not a magical ritual, but an act of faith and trust: you entrust the matters of your heart to someone who knows the value of family, daily care, and responsibility. It is a way to sincerely entrust your future to the Guardian of the Holy Family.
What matters does St. Joseph help with?
St. Joseph was the husband of Mary and the guardian of Jesus. He provided them with safety when they had to flee death at the hands of Herod. He is a model of fidelity, diligence, humility, and responsibility. St. Joseph is the patron saint of marriages and families, as well as the suffering, emigrants, and all those discerning their vocation. Workplaces and employees, those seeking employment, and those experiencing financial difficulties are recommended for his prayerful support.
In summary, letters to St. Joseph are most often addressed with the following intentions:
1. Finding a good husband/wife.
2. Family-related, such as the gift of offspring, consent in marriage.
3. Home and security-related: requests for one’s own apartment or house and protection for loved ones.
4. Work and finances: assistance in finding employment, solving material problems.
5. Discerning one’s life path.
6. Support in suffering and life’s difficulties.
7. Care during emigration.