Saint Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus Christ, is honored as the patron saint of fathers, families, carpenters and workers. Over the years, a tradition arose of turning to St. Joseph for help with real estate transactions. In the Middle Ages, nuns buried a medal with his likeness on property they hoped to acquire for a convent. St. Andre Bessette had a strong devotion to St. Joseph. Wishing to build a church for him but without funds to do so, he buried medals of St. Joseph on Mount Royale, the desired site for the church. Any time the building faltered due to lack of funds, St. Andre would say, "Put a statue of St. Joseph in the church. He will take care of it." The result is Saint Joseph's Oratory, the largest basilica in Canada. Gradually the medals were replaced with statues, and the focus changed from buying to selling. The reasons behind appealing to this particular saint are Joseph's strong connections to families, homes and moving. Today, people of all religious denominations follow the tradition of asking St. Joseph for help selling their home and using his statue to show their faith in his intercession.
Superstition dictates that the statue is buried upside down with the feet pointing toward heaven. It may face towards the home, or it may face away, towards the new home. The location of the statue varies as well. When the home is sold, the statue should be removed and given a place of honor in the seller's new home. It is not known if St. Joseph in heaven is bemused or smiling at this strange custom, but he does seem to answer the families prayers. Prayer of any kind is a statement of complete trust, with the knowledge that God will answer the prayers of the faithful and of His saints. The real power of the St. Joseph statue then, is as a physical reminder of faith in God to provide for our needs.
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Will Receive 1 St. Joseph the worker Figurine
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Size:~ 4 Inch x 1.75 Inch
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Material: Polyresin
- Comes with prayer card
- Made in China
- Each one will be slightly different by size, shape, and appearance due to manufacturing!
Prayer Card:
O St. Joseph, you were given the task of caring for and watching over the Blessed Mother and young Jesus. You worked for them, kept them from harm, and when they were in danger, moved them. I ask for your compassion on me and my family in our need to move and to sell this house. Please assist me by your intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son this favor, so I may provide for the family that He has entrusted to me. St. Joseph, ever compassionate and faithful, I take this statue, not as superstition, but as an anchor to my prayers for your help. It is a reminder of your kindness and God's eternal provision for His children. I have faith in God and faith in you. St. Joseph, loving father and provider, pray for us. Amen.
