Saint Joseph

I was born in the Holy Land, as a distant descendant  of King David. I was about to marry a young girl named Mary, but intended to separate quietly from her when I found out that she was pregnant - I certainly was not the father! In a dream, the angel Gabriel appeared to me and told me the child was from the  Holy Spirit and that I was to name the child “Jesus”, which means “God saves”. I was a man of faith, but this went beyond all my understanding. Although I was very doubtful in the beginning, eventually, I gave in and said yes to God’s plan for me - without understanding this properly. Thus, I became Jesus’ foster father. I took care of Mary during her pregnancy and of Jesus after his birth. I brought them to safety when I learned the plan of King Herod to kill all children of Jesus' age. All my life, I tried to live in obedience and dedication to God’s Will.