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THE PATRON OF THE COLLEGE: SAINT JOSEPH
All that is known about the foster-father of Jesus Christ, Son of God, is found in the Gospels. He was of the house of David, a carpenter or builder by trade, and an ‘upright’ man. After the birth of Jesus at Bethlehem, Joseph was warned from Heaven in a dream, first to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt in order to escape Herod and afterwards when Herod was dead, to return to the land of Israel. However, Joseph feared Herod’s successor in Judea and went on to Galilee, where the Holy Family made their home at Nazareth (Matthew (i) 18-25; (ii) 13-23). The story of the 12 year old Jesus being lost for three days on the way back from the Passover at Jerusalem (Luke (ii) 41-48) again shows Joseph faithful in his capacity as guardian of Mary and Jesus. It is not known when Joseph died, but certainly it was before the Crucifixion (John (xix) 26-27) and Jesus and Mary must have been with him giving comfort and strength. These few Biblical references give the impression of Joseph as a just, kind, dignified and level headed man, prompt in action but self-effacing.
As Joseph was the Guardian of Jesus and Mary, so he has been declared the Guardian and Patron of the Universal Church. He has been chosen as the Patron of the College and we pray that he will guide and care for the College Community, girls, staff, parent/guardians and governors. We ask Saint Joseph that we may lead good lives and that Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Holy Family, will inspire and protect our families and will grant us the help and peace we need at the time of death.
