How to Deepen Your Devotion to St. Joseph

Practices, Saints, and Spiritual Benefits for the Interior Life

In recent years, many have felt drawn to St. Joseph—and for good reason. In an anxious world filled with noise, insecurity, and spiritual confusion, he offers something rare: quiet stability, fatherly care, and deep, unfailing trust in God.

You may already admire St. Joseph. Maybe you’ve read a reflection, offered a prayer, or heard of his powerful intercession. But how do we move from admiration to devotion? How do we build a meaningful relationship with a saint whose life was so hidden?

Let’s take a closer look at devotion to St. Joseph: what it means, where it comes from, and how to live it fruitfully.

What Devotion Really Means

Devotion is more than just affection or admiration. It’s not superstition, and it’s certainly not a substitute for Christ.

True devotion is:

A relationship—rooted in trust and love
A response—to the Church’s witness and the communion of saints
A path—to imitation and deeper holiness

In St. Joseph’s case, devotion means turning to him as a spiritual father, protector, and model of obedient love. It means letting his virtues shape our own: his silence, humility, courage, purity, and faith.

A Brief History of Devotion to St. Joseph

Devotion to St. Joseph took time to develop in the life of the Church. In the earliest centuries, attention was naturally focused on Christ and the mystery of the Incarnation, and on Mary’s unique role in salvation history. But gradually, the Church came to recognize the quiet importance of Joseph’s mission and virtues.

1870: Pope Pius IX declares St. Joseph Patron of the Universal Church
1955: Pope Pius XII institutes the feast of St. Joseph the Worker
1989: St. John Paul II writes Redemptoris Custos (“Guardian of the Redeemer”)
2020: Pope Francis declares the Year of St. Joseph and publishes Patris Corde

While always subordinate to Christ and uniquely distinct from the sinless Virgin Mary, St. Joseph holds a singular place in salvation history. Chosen by God to guard and guide the Holy Family, he stands as a faithful protector, powerful intercessor, and enduring model of virtue for the entire Church.

Saints Who Loved St. Joseph

St. Teresa of Avila

“I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favours which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul.”
— Autobiography, ch. 6

She credited St. Joseph with countless graces and made devotion to him central in her reform of the Carmelite order.

St. André Bessette

A humble doorkeeper in Montreal, Brother André became known for miraculous healings and tireless devotion to St. Joseph. He helped establish St. Joseph’s Oratory, one of the largest churches in the world dedicated to the saint.

St. John Paul II

“He turned his human vocation to domestic love into a superhuman oblation of self… love placed at the service of the Messiah growing up in his house.”
— Redemptoris Custos, no. 8

Pope Francis

“Fathers are not born, but made… A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child.”
— Patris Corde

Church-Approved Devotions to St. Joseph

The Litany of St. Joseph: Approved in 1909, reflecting on his titles and virtues
The Seven Sorrows and Joys: Meditations on moments of trial and grace in his life
Consecration to St. Joseph: A 33-day spiritual journey of entrustment (popularized by Fr. Calloway)

March and May Devotions:

March 19: Solemnity of St. Joseph
May 1: Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
Entire month of March: Traditionally dedicated to him

What Devotion to St. Joseph Is—and Isn’t

It is:

A way of entrusting your needs to a powerful intercessor
A source of peace and direction in uncertain times
An invitation to imitate his virtues in your vocation

It’s not:

A superstition or formula for “getting what you want”
A substitute for prayer to God
A quick fix for spiritual difficulty

Devotion isn’t about emotional highs—it’s about relationship, reverence, and fidelity.

How to Start (or Deepen) Your Devotion

Pray the Litany of St. Joseph weekly (especially on Wednesdays)
Meditate on one of his virtues—silence, obedience, courage, humility
Place a statue or icon of him in your prayer space
Consecrate your work, family, or vocation to his care
Call on him in need—especially for protection, work, purity, or discernment

“Go to Joseph.” — Genesis 41:55

This phrase, originally about the patriarch Joseph in Egypt, has long been applied to the foster father of Christ. The wisdom still holds: Go to him. He will provide.

Reflection

What aspect of St. Joseph’s life speaks to me most right now?
Have I invited him into my home, my work, or my struggles?
What devotion or practice could help me grow in quiet trust?

A Simple Prayer to St. Joseph

St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family and of the Church,
I entrust to you my needs, my loved ones, and my daily work.
Teach me your virtues—your courage, your silence, your love.
Guide me as you guided Jesus.
Guard me as you guarded Mary.
Intercede for me as a father and friend.
That I may live with faith, serve with strength,
and walk in trust all my days.
Amen.