St. Joseph: Not recorded in words, but in his actions

On the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Bishop William McGrattan reflected on the living presence of the saints and the quiet, faithful role of St. Joseph in God’s plan of salvation.

“The communion of saints… are not historical, but they are present spiritually and active,” he said, reminding the faithful that the saints continue to accompany the Church today. He added that churches named after saints are “not only to be an inspiration, but to be a source of intercession,” especially as the Diocese continues its path of Pastoral Renewal.

Reflecting on St. Joseph, Bishop McGrattan pointed to the breadth of his patronage: the Universal Church, Canada, the poor, workers, refugees, fathers, and those who are dying. “We always pray to St. Joseph for a peaceful and holy death,” he said, noting the continued relevance of this devotion today. 

Turning to the readings, Bishop McGrattan reflected on God’s promise to David as a prefiguration of Joseph’s role.
“We all come from a certain lineage,” he said, pointing to the human dimension of faith rooted in relationships. “That familial relationship is so important… that human dimension that allows God’s grace to work in our lives and in our parishes.”

He noted that in a world marked by division and discord, the Church has a responsibility to witness to unity: “The Church has the important role of being the protector of salvation… allowing the gift of God’s unity to reign in our communities and in our parishes.” This is reflected in St. Joseph, who “built the family and the house of Nazareth, a house in which Christ dwelt for 30 years.”

Though little is recorded in Scripture, Joseph’s role is unmistakable: “It’s not recorded in words, but it is recorded in his actions.”

Faithful, dutiful, and docile

In the Gospel, Joseph faces uncertainty and difficulty, yet responds with openness to God’s will. He “was open and docile to the will of God, even though he didn’t understand what that would entail in terms of the future.”

This trust, Bishop McGrattan noted, is rooted in grace: “Salvation comes through the grace of God.”

Speaking to those involved in Parish Renewal, he acknowledged the challenges many have experienced.
“You… may have possibly been like Saint Joseph at times, faced with adversity, obstacles and even conflicts and misunderstanding.” Yet he encouraged the faithful to continue with trust: “We may not see the completion of the renewal… but that we can have that confidence of trust and docility.”

Like St. Joseph, the faithful are entrusted with a mission: “He was called to this role… of being a protector and a guardian of salvation.” And so too: “You have to be… the protector and guardian and the promoter of the renewal in our diocese.”

The homily concluded with a simple but clear invitation: to imitate St. Joseph’s quiet fidelity. Not dramatic, not visible, but steady and rooted in trust. “Saint Joseph teaches us to be faithful, dutiful, and docile to the will of God.”

As the Church continues its path of Renewal, Bishop McGrattan invited all to turn to St. Joseph, to ask for his intercession and to learn from his example of humble, courageous faith.

WATCH REEL: ST JOSEPH SOLEMNITY & RENEWAL VISIT AT ST ALBERT

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Photography: Bandi Szakony for the Diocese of Calgary