Ave Maria Meditations
Why Saint Joseph should be regarded specially as the Patron of the Church, and why the Church in turn should promise much to herself from his guardian ship and patronage, these are the decisive causes and reasons: that he is the husband of Mary and the putative father of Jesus Christ. From this have proceeded all his dignity, grace, sanctity, and glory. Certainly the dignity of Mother of God is so exalted that nothing greater can be made; but nevertheless, because there existed between Joseph and most Blessed Mary the bond of Marriage, it is beyond all doubt that he approached nearer than any other to that most excellent dignity by which the Mother of God far surpasses all created natures.
+Pope Leo XIII
