Joseph and the baby Jesus, as depicted by an artist. | Archdiocese of Milwaukee/Facebook

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee cited St. Joseph, whose feast day was Saturday, as an inspiration who reminds us that it’s possible to keep faith and serve Him despite earthly challenges.

“St. Joseph is a defender of life who said ‘yes’ to the Lord,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “He is a compelling witness and model for how we can maintain communion with God in challenging times. Today, we abundantly thank him for protecting the Holy Family. St. Joseph, pray for us!” 

Joseph, as a young man, was a carpenter who was engaged to Mary when she became pregnant with Jesus, catholic.org says. Although he knew the baby wasn’t his, he decided to send Mary away so she could avoid being stoned to death. An angel visited him before he did that, though, and told him that he should take Mary as his wife because the child she was carrying was the son of God. Joseph put his trust in the angel and married Mary. 

Not long after Jesus was born, Joseph had to protect his infant son from King Herod after an angel warned him in a dream that the king was planning a violent action, according to Britannica. Joseph, his wife and child fled to Egypt. After the danger had passed, they returned to Nazareth. It is believed that Joseph died before Jesus did as he is not mentioned in any Gospel accounts of the crucifixion. 

St. Joseph’s life and deeds are marked on two separate days every year: the Solemnity of Joseph on March 19, and the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1. He is the patron saint of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and happy deaths.