Beneath Manila’s vibrant pulse lies the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph. Formerly named San Jose de Trozo Parish Church this sacred space has been a beacon of faith since 1933. Imagine worshipers quietly praying inside Saint Joseph. This Roman Catholic church resides in Santa Cruz under Manila’s Archdiocese.
Saint Joseph got elevated to an archdiocesan shrine on November 30 2022. The parish is part of the vicariate forane of San José de Trozo. Peterson O Tieng serves as the current parish priest.
In 2020 Pope Francis declared a “Year of St. Joseph.” This celebrated the 150th anniversary of Saint Joseph as the Universal Church’s patron. Blessed Pius IX made that proclamation in 1870. The Holy Year lasted from December 8 2020 to December 8 2021. This marked history as the first Holy Year dedicated to Saint Joseph.
Though little is written about Saint Joseph in the Gospels he is a key figure. Saints and pontiffs have acclaimed him. Numerous shrines churches basilicas and congregations bear his name. Saint Joseph is a silent yet important figure in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
The Gospels of Matthew and Luke trace Saint Joseph’s ancestry to David. Mystics describe Saint Joseph as gentle with profound divine wisdom. He resolved to be chaste at a young age. He fervently prayed for the Messiah’s arrival.
Saint Joseph worked as a carpenter. The Greek term “tekton” describes him as an artisan. It covers makers of objects in wood iron or stone.
Scripture doesn’t detail Mary and Joseph’s meeting. Matthew speaks of them being betrothed before coming together. Mystics wrote that God willed Mary to marry despite her vow of chastity. A priest saw a vision from Isaiah. Messengers summoned unmarried men of David’s line to the Temple. Each man received a branch to inscribe with his name. As Saint Joseph laid his branch on the altar a white lily blossomed. The Holy Ghost appeared over him. Joseph was recognized as appointed by God to be Mary’s bridegroom.
The Angel Gabriel announced Jesus’ coming to Mary. Mary visited Elizabeth with Jesus in her womb. Joseph noticed Mary’s pregnancy. Thinking she was pregnant by another man he planned a quiet divorce. An angel revealed that the Child was of the Holy Spirit. Joseph took responsibility as Jesus’ earthly father.
The couple journeyed to Bethlehem for a census. Jesus was born and laid in a manger. Angels announced his birth to shepherds. The Magi later visited the Child. An angel warned Joseph of Herod’s plan to kill Jesus. The Holy Family fled to Egypt. Later they settled in Nazareth.
Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for Passover. At twelve Jesus was found in the Temple amazing teachers with his wisdom. The Gospels then remain silent about the Holy Family for years.
The circumstances of Joseph’s death are unknown. He likely died before Jesus’ ministry. Tradition says Jesus and Mary comforted him. He died peacefully a happy death. By the 17th century Saint Joseph became the patron of those desiring a happy death.
The Church venerated Saint Joseph from early Christian times. The Church of Alexandria kept his feast as early as the fourth century. In the West his name appeared in martyrologies of the ninth and tenth centuries. A church dedicated to him emerged in Bologna in 1129.
Devotion grew through figures like St Bernard and St Thomas Aquinas. Pope Gregory XV formally inserted the Feast into the General Roman Calendar in 1621. Blessed Pius IX later observed it as a Solemnity in 1870.
Benedict XIII inserted Saint Joseph’s name into the Litany of the Saints in 1726. Pope Leo XIII promoted prayer to God through the intercession of Mary and Saint Joseph. He attached a special Prayer to Saint Joseph to the rosary.
Saint Joseph’s devotion became universal. Pope Pius XII established the “Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker” on May 1 in 1955. He is considered the model of the pious believer and the patron of a happy death.
Pope Pius IX declared Joseph Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. Pope John XXIII inserted Joseph’s name in the Canon of the Mass in 1962. Pope Francis added his name to other Eucharistic Prayers in 2013. The devotion to Saint Joseph grew because he is the “Saint of Everyman.” He led a holy life with Jesus and Mary.
Devotion to Saint Joseph in the Philippines is quiet yet produces good fruits. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph stands as a testament to his enduring influence. May this place inspire you. May it provide you with strength and guidance.