One of the most beautiful stories in Catholic tradition tells how the humble carpenter St. Joseph was divinely selected to be the chaste spouse and protector of the Virgin Mary and earthly father to Jesus.
According to ancient Christian tradition (recorded in the Protoevangelium of James, c. 150 AD) and later popularized in The Golden Legend, when Mary reached the age of about 12–14 and could no longer remain in the Temple, the high priest gathered eligible men (widowers or descendants of David) from the tribe of Judah. Each was given a dry rod or staff and instructed to pray that God would reveal His chosen spouse for Mary through a clear sign.
The men placed their rods before the altar. When Joseph, a modest, holy descendant of King David, took his staff last, a miracle occurred: a white dove flew out of his rod and rested upon his head. In many accounts, his staff also blossomed with flowers or a beautiful lily. The priests immediately declared: “Joseph, you have been chosen by lot to take the Virgin of the Lord into your keeping.”
Venerable Mary of Ágreda, in her approved mystical work The Mystical City of God (Book 2, Chapter 22), describes it vividly: While the men prayed, Joseph’s staff blossomed, and “a dove of purest white and resplendent with admirable light” descended and rested on his head. Then God spoke interiorly to Joseph’s heart: “Joseph, my servant, Mary shall be thy Spouse; accept Her with attentive reverence, for She is acceptable in my eyes, just and most pure in soul and body, and thou shalt do all that She shall say to Thee.”
Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, in her recorded visions, saw the priest hand Joseph a dry branch, which immediately “blossomed into a beautiful lily” as he grasped it, confirming him as God’s choice.
Joseph humbly accepted, though he initially hesitated (feeling unworthy and noting he was older in some traditions). Mary, who had vowed perpetual virginity, revealed her consecration to God. Joseph, who had also vowed chastity from a young age, promised to guard and honor her vow. Their marriage was a true, holy union, virginal and chaste, founded on perfect obedience to God’s will. This divine selection reminds us that God chooses the humble and pure to accomplish His greatest works. St. Joseph became the faithful guardian of the Holy Family, the model of fathers, workers, and spouses. Saint Joseph, Most Chaste Spouse of the Virgin Mary, Pray for us!
Source: “X” ☩ 𝕁𝕄𝕋 ☩ @SecretFire79