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Get ready to celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph on March 19! This special holiday is also known as "St. Joseph's Day" and has been celebrated for centuries by Catholics and Christians around the world. It is a day to honor and pay tribute to Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. Whether you're religious or not, there are many fun traditions associated with this holiday, such as parades, feasts, and creating elaborate altars. So let's dive into the history behind this beloved saint and see how we can join in on the celebrations!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>AD 1st Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Joseph's Lifetime</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers and father of Jesus according to the New Testament, lived in the 1st Century AD.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>10th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Joseph began to be recognised as a saint by some communities, particular those in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, in the 10th Century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1479</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inclusion in the Calendar</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Joseph was officially included in the Roman calendar by Pope Sixtus IV in 1479.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1621</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Marked as Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Feast of Saint Joseph was declared a holiday by Pope Gregory XV in 1621.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1870</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Saint Joseph as Patron Saint</div><div class='timeline-text'>Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the patron saint of the Universal Church in 1870, further elevating his status.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1962</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Second Vatican Council</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Second Vatican Council reaffirmed the veneration of Saint Joseph and inserted his name into the Canon of the Mass among the saints in 1962.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a St. Joseph’s Day altar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In many Italian and Sicilian communities, it is tradition to create an altar in honor of St. Joseph on his feast day. You can gather flowers, candles, and food to decorate the altar and display statues or pictures of St. Joseph.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a St. Joseph’s Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities have parades on St. Joseph’s Day to celebrate the life and contributions of this beloved saint. Look for a parade near you and join in on the fun with your family and friends!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook a traditional St. Joseph’s Day meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In many Italian households, it is tradition to prepare a special meal on St. Joseph’s Day consisting of dishes like pasta con le sarde (pasta with sardines), zeppole (fried dough balls), and sfinci (Sicilian cream puffs). Gather your family and friends and enjoy this delicious feast together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a St. Joseph’s Day charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Joseph is known as the patron saint of workers and the poor. In his honor, consider making a donation to a charity that helps those in need, such as a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about St. Joseph’s life</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to research and learn about St. Joseph’s life and the important role he played in Christianity. You can also read passages from the Bible that mention him or watch a movie or documentary about his life.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the role of fathers and father figures</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Joseph's Day is especially important for fathers and father figures, as St. Joseph himself was a devoted husband and guardian to Jesus. It serves as a reminder to honor and appreciate the positive male influences in our lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It highlights the value of hard work and dedication</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Joseph was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to providing for his family, making him a powerful example of determination and responsibility. This day is a great opportunity to reflect on these attributes and strive to emulate them in our own lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It embodies faith, devotion, and gratitude</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Joseph's Day is also an occasion to celebrate one's faith and give thanks for blessings received. As a symbol of strength, protection, and guidance, St. Joseph inspires us to have faith in ourselves and in a higher power, showing us the importance of being grateful for all that we have.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Traditional St. Joseph's Day color is Red</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to St. Patrick's Day green, a common color to wear on Saint Joseph's Day is red, representing the color of the saint's robe in many religious depictions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is also Father's Day in some countries</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several countries including Italy, Spain, and Portugal celebrate Father's Day on St. Joseph’s Day, acknowledging the saint's role as the foster father of Jesus.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Joseph’s Day has a special bread</h3><p class='facts-content'>Along with various other traditions, a special bread named "Pane di San Giuseppe" or "St. Joseph's Bread" is often baked on this day. The bread is usually decorated with symbols associated with the Saint.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The St. Joseph’s Day Altar tradition started as a Thank You to the Saint</h3><p class='facts-content'>The tradition of creating an altar filled with food for St. Joseph's Day started in Sicily as a form of gratitude towards the saint. The Sicilian farmers thanked St. Joseph for preventing a famine during the Middle Ages with this offering.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Lucky Fava Beans linked to St. Joseph’s Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>The fava bean is often associated with St. Joseph's Day because it was the crop that saved the Sicilians from starvation during a drought. Today, it is considered a token of good luck and is frequently included in St. Joseph's Day altars.</p></div></div>
St. Joseph's Day is celebrated on March 19th every year. In 2024, St. Joseph's Day falls on a Tuesday.
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