Why St. Joseph is Patron and Protector of the Unborn

By Philip Kosloski, Aleteia, 1/22/21

St. Joseph protected Mary and her unborn child, even though Jesus was not his biological son.

Among the many titles of St. Joseph, one that has grown in significance over the past 40 years has been “St. Joseph, patron of the unborn.”

The title and patronage is most fitting for St. Joseph, as he was about to “divorce [Mary] quietly” when he learned that “she was found with child … before they lived together” (cf. Matthew 1:18-19).

It took the appearance of an angel to reveal the plan God had for St. Joseph, assuring him to “not be afraid.”

St. Joseph then did all he could to protect the unborn child in Mary’s womb, as well as protecting Jesus, after he was born, from the murderous threats of Herod.  …

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