March 19^th is an eagerly-awaited feast day. In many countries, we honour the husband of Mary with solemnity and enthusiasm.  On ''Saint Joseph Day's'', in New Orleans, people are decked in costumes of multiple colours and dance in the streets. The Italians celebrate with a sumptuous meal and prepare special little breads which they share with the poor. In Valencia, Spain, huge sculptures in papier-mâché are hung all over the city and are later burnt in a fire. The history of New France also relates how the religious celebration of this feast day included elaborate popular expression which were accompanied by the firing of canons and muskets. The Feast of Saint Joseph was instituted in the 15th century, and it became mandatory for the whole Church in 1621 during the Pontificate of Gregory XV.  Father Henri-Paul Bergeron, CSC, wrote in a periodical published by the Oratory's Research Center: ''The tradition of devotion to Saint Joseph goes back to the very beginning of our country which was consecrated to him in 1624'' (See Cahier de Joséphologie, Vol. XXIII, no 1: janvier-février 1975, p. 41). He added: ''We read in the Relations of the Jesuits how very important was the devotion to Saint Joseph in New France. It is under his patronage that the Indians were evangelized, and the name Joseph was usually given to the new converts. The custom was quickly established and is still praticed today to choose the name Joseph as the first name given to boys at baptism. Study of the pastoral letters of the Bishops of Quebec reveals how the devotion to Saint Joseph was constantly encouraged throughout our history.''

Many chapels and churches are dedicated to him. In Quebec alone, forty parishes bear the name of ''Saint Joseph''. Whether you live in Rivière-Bleue, Alma, Carleton, Lanoraie or Deschambault, you will find a Saint Joseph Parish in the area. The oldest one is Saint-Joseph-de-Chambly in the Diocese of Saint-Jean-Longueuil, founded in 1665.

''Saint Joseph is the patron saint of labourers, especially of carpenters and various woodworkers. He is above all the model of husbands and fathers, and of virgins at heart and interior souls as well, to whom he gives a desire for silence, contemplation and faithfulness to the will of God'', wrote Jean Ladame (Les saints de la piété populaire, Éditions S.O.S., Paris, 1985, p. 55). At Saint Joseph's Oratory, for nearly one hundred years, many pilgrims have climbed the mountain to ''make a novena to Saint Joseph'', as Brother André once recommended. The carpenter of Nazareth isinvoked as a Model for Workers, Guardian of Virgins, Safeguard of Families, Terror of Demons, Solace of the Afflicted, Comfort of the Sick, hope of the Dying and Protector of the Holy Church.

Saint Joseph is seen as the perfect protector who listens and grants the petitions of the most humbnle. Jean Ladame also wrote ''(...) we also charge him, as wise steward of God's treasures, to fulfill our every day simple needs, which are sometimes most demanding. Moreover, a part from these material 'graces', Saint Joseph draws us to desire those that fill our soul with the presence and the love of God.''

Canada, China, Peru, Vietnam and Belgium have been placed under the patronage of Saint Joseph, just as many congregations of religious founded in the 19th century. The popularity of the devotion to Saint Joseph during that period of time, came about as the Church gave its official recognition. Pope Pius IX extended tot he whole Church the feast of the patronage of Saint Joseph in 1847. he proclaimed Saint Joseph patron of the universal Church on December 8, 1870. That same year, Alfred Bessette arrived at Notre-Dame College. Who could have suspected that this young postulant for the Congregation of holy Cross would one day become the founder of an international sanctuary to Saint Joseph on the slopes of Mount Royal? Who could have predicted that this humble religious would be listened to and recognized for his exceptional qualities as intercessor with Saint Joseph?

For Brother André, dévotion to Saint Joseph was the road leading to God. ''All of Brother André's actions, up to his death, expressed his total confidence in Saint Joseph as well as his devotion to the great saint, his friend,'' wrote Jean-Guy Dubuc (Brother André, Fides, 1999, p.114). ''Witnesses, time and time again, reported Brother André's most usual advice. 'He recommanded very simple prayers such as Saint Joseph, pray for me as you yourself would have prayed, had you been here on earth, in my shoes, with my troubles. Saint Joseph, answer our prayers...'.''
And Saint Joseph answers.