ST. JOSEPH, THE MOST POWERFUL SAINT

March 19^th is St. Joseph’s Day. San José, the husband of the Virgin Mary, is one of the patron saints of San Miguel and the patron saint of the Catholic church. Today is marked by a late afternoon parade featuring many depictions of St. Joseph, fireworks and a special mass at the Oratorio church.   Celebrations also occur all day at the St. Joseph of the Mountain Church on Calle San Jose (called Homobono down towards the market).

Saint Joseph is rarely mentioned in the bible but is considered the most powerful of the saints and the only saint to have two feast days.  March 17^th is for St. Joseph, patron of fatherhood and family then again on May 1^st as the patron of workers.

Until recently it was common for most Mexican men to have the first name of Jose (and women, Maria).  Pepe (Joe), the nickname for Jose comes from combining the words for adoptive father in Spanish since Joseph was Jesus’ adoptive father.