St Joseph is the descendant of the house of David. He was a carpenter by trade. Joseph is known to be the earthly spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster-father of Jesus Christ. He was a just man who was simply, joyfully, wholeheartedly obedient to God—in marrying Mary, in naming Jesus, in shepherding the precious pair to Egypt, in bringing them to Nazareth, in the undetermined number of years of quiet faith and courage. St Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters.