The Worker, Silent And Watchful

French painter James Tissot’s interpretation of Joseph, in a busy-looking workshop.

Pope Francis’ thoughts on the saint:

He helped (Jesus) grow and develop. So he looked for a place for the child to be born. He looked after him, helped him grow, and taught him to work: many things… in silence. He never took possession of the child for himself. He silently let him grow. He let him grow: This idea could help us immensely, we who by nature always want to stick our noses in everything, especially in the lives of others… And we start gossiping, talking… But he let him grow, silently watching over him and helping him.