JOSEPH

BASIC R.C. BELIEF

Husband of Mary, foster-father of Jesus. Roman Catholics do not believe he

ever lived with Mary as a true husband but was protector of Mary and Jesus.

It took centuries for anyone to notice him, but recently he has been

elevated beyond all saints except Mary. Because of his intimate contact

with Mary and Jesus, many theologians claim a freedom from sin for him.

Some restrict this sinlessness to when he was married to Mary. It is more

commonly held that throughout his life he never sinned grievously (CATHOLIC

DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY, volume II, page 165).

A unique level of veneration, proto-dulia, is advocated by some for

Joseph.

The tradition that he died before the Crucifixion is probably upheld by

Jesus' committing Mary to John; His own brothers being unbelievers (John

7:5).

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