In the divine plan, Saint Joseph was chosen for the lofty, though obscure, role of head of the Holy Family. From the official pronouncements of two pontiffs of recent years it is evident that devotion to Saint Joseph under this title will bear rich fruits for the entire Mystical Body of Christ.
It is a fact apparent to all that the welfare of the individual and of the state is, in a special manner, dependent on the family. Insofar as virtue has struck deep roots within the home and the character of children has been influenced in accordance with religious precepts by the teaching and example of parents, the common interest will be benefited. Consequently, it is of utmost importance, not only that the society of the home be established holily, but also that it be ruled by holy laws, and that the spirit of religion and the standard of Christian living be diligently and steadfastly fostered there. Hence, when God in His mercy decided to carry out the work of man's redemption, so long expected through the centuries, He arranged to perform His task in such a way that in its beginnings it might show forth to the world the august spectacle of a divinely founded family. In this, all men were to behold the perfect exemplar of domestic society, as well as of all virtue and holiness.
Such indeed was the family of Nazareth. In its bosom was concealed the Sun of justice, awaiting in anticipation the time when His full splendors should shine in all the nations—Christ our God, our Saviour, together with His Virgin Mother and Joseph, that most blessed man who exercised the rights of a father over Jesus.
- Pope Leo XIII, Apostolic Brief, "Neminem fugit"
With the increase of devotion to Saint Joseph among the faithful there will necessarily result an increase in their devotion toward the Holy Family of Nazareth of which he was the august head, for these devotions spring spontaneously one from the other. By Saint Joseph we are led directly to Mary, and by Mary to the Fountain of all holiness, Jesus Christ, who sanctified the domestic virtues by His obedience toward Saint Joseph and Mary.
We desire, then, that these marvelous exemplars of virtue should serve as inspiration and as models for all Christian families. Even as the family constitutes the fountain of the human race, so by strengthening domestic society with the bonds of purity, fidelity, and concord, a new vigor and, as it were, a new lifeblood shall be diffused through all the members of human society under the vivifying influence of the virtue of Christ.
- Pope Benedict XV, Motu Proprio, "Bonum Sane"
- text taken from Joseph, Son of David, compiled and edited by Sister Emily Joseph, C.S.J.