Joseph of Nazareth: discovering resources for Catholic education

Abstract

Joseph of Nazareth has a high profile among Catholics globally. His name adorns a multitude of schools, Catholic agencies, cities and towns and he is the patron of numerous causes in the Catholic tradition. This elevated position contrasts markedly with his profile in the Bible, where he is consistently silent when he appears in the narratives, and conspicuously absent in most New Testament accounts. In recent decades, reflections on Joseph’s place in the stories of Christian foundations and traditions about him have relied upon a careful reading of the historical Joseph. Pious traditions that emphasised his supplementary, supportive, and subordinate role in the Christian tradition are giving way to thoughtful examinations of the available evidence. Portraits of Joseph offer resources for contributing to the identity of Catholic schools and other agencies which count Joseph as a patron and mentor. This article traces contemporary scholarship on the biblical, historical, and modern conceptualisations of Joseph of Nazareth and explores implications for Catholic identity and religious education in Catholic schools.