The foster-father of Jesus is also our father: such is depicted in our Joseph, Patron of the Church framed canvas! The original image is in a side altar in the Sacred Heart Church in Rome, painted by Giuseppe Rollini. Surrounded by Angels watching in great reverence and saying, "Go to Joseph" (Ite ad Joseph), St. Joseph is pictured holding the child Jesus with the humble handmaid Mary by his side. While Joseph holds a lily to symbolize his great purity in one hand, his other hand extends in blessing over a miniature church building which is presented to him by an Angel and represents his patronage over the Universal Church. As Jesus was entrusted to Joseph, through Mary, for protection, leadership, and provision, so, too, is the Church, "the Body of Christ," entrusted to St. Joseph's heavenly intercession and aid.

In 1870, Pope Pius IX officially declared St. Joseph the Patron of the Catholic Church. In the document Quemadmodum Deus, Pius IX entrusts the Church, which is under much travail, to Joseph: "On account of this sublime dignity which God conferred on His most faithful Servant, the Church has always most highly honoured and lauded the Most Blessed Joseph next after his spouse, the Virgin Mother of God, and has implored his intercession in all her great necessities." St. Teresa of Avila also taught people to "go to St. Joseph" in all of their needs, due to Joseph's profound union with the hearts of the King and Queen of Heaven and earth. And if you don't believe the great intercessory power he has been given? As St. Teresa would say, "make the trial" of entrusting yourself and your need to him, and you will see the great good he pours out!

May each heart be entrusted more greatly to St. Joseph while meditating upon this image.

Sure to be treasured for generations to come, this beautiful image of St. Joseph is the perfect addition to any home or church! Handcrafted in Steubenville, Ohio.
~Sizes listed are of the image only~

( NW-1444-1 )