Joseph cares for his family

The Gospels tell us about Joseph, Mary’s husband, who cared for Jesus as he grew up. Joseph listened to God and took responsibility for the family entrusted to him.

Matthew’s Gospel describes Joseph taking Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt when they were in danger. Later the family lived in Nazareth. Joseph’s care included both difficult journeys and ordinary daily life.

Joseph is remembered as a worker. The Gospels connect his household with a carpenter’s trade. We do not know all the details of his work or every moment of Jesus’ childhood.

We can learn from Joseph without making up those missing details. Being faithful means caring about the people who depend on us. At home or at school, finishing a helpful task can be a way to love.

Background: Pope Francis, Patris corde, 8 December 2020. Original retelling and activity; no invented dialogue.

For a grown-up: read the full biography.

Choose another story →