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St. Joseph
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Devotion to St. Joseph appears to have originated in the east sometime around the 4th century, particularly with the Copts in Egypt. Eventually the devotion spread to the west sometime later, though when is not clear. The first Church in the west dedicated to St. Joseph was one in Bologna in 1129. Sts. Bernard, Thomas Aquinas, Gertrude, and Bridget of Sweden all promoted devotion to him. A real flowering of devotion to St. Joseph began in the 15th century culminating with his declaration as patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1870.

His feast day is March 19 and the feast of St. Joseph the Worker is celebrated on May 1. St. Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, Carpenters, Doubters, Travelers, House Hunters, and of a Happy Death. See the article in the Catholic Encyclopedia for more details.

Orationes et Devotiones (Prayers and Devotions)
Vide (See also:)
Hymni (Hymns)
Officia Parva (Little Offices)


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