This statue of St. Joseph can be found in the rear of the church, above the entrance to the sacristy. It was placed there during the 1931-32 expansion of the sanctuary and sacristy. St. Joseph is the patron saint of Fathers, Carpenters and Social Justice.
“He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector of his greatest treasures, namely, his divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife. He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying: ‘Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord’” (St. Bernardine of Siena)
The Bible tells us little of Joseph in the years after the return to Nazareth except the incident of finding Jesus in the Temple (see Luke 2:41–51). Perhaps this can be taken to mean that God wants us to realize that the holiest family was like every other family, that the circumstances of life for the holiest family were like those of every family, so that when Jesus’ mysterious nature began to appear, people couldn’t believe that he came from such humble beginnings: “Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary?” (Matthew 13:55a). It was almost as indignant as “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46b)
It is also a custom that when home owners wish to sell their homes they pray the St. Joseph Prayer to sell a house. The St Joseph Prayer to sell a house requires that you buy a St Joseph statue. Once you’ve acquired the statue, you must bury it in your yard, within three feet of your For Sale sign. Bury the statue upside down, but facing in the direction of the house that you’re trying to sell. Once this is done, say the following prayer:
Prayer to Sell a House
O, Saint Joseph, you who taught our Lord the carpenter’s trade, and saw to it that he was always properly housed, hear my earnest plea. I want you to help me now as you helped your foster-child Jesus, and as you have helped many others in the matter of housing. I wish to sell this [house/property] quickly, easily, and profitably and I implore you to grant my wish by bringing me a good buyer, one who is eager, compliant, and honest, and by letting nothing impede the rapid conclusion of the sale.
Dear Saint Joseph, I know you would do this for me out of the goodness of your heart and in your own good time, but my need is very great now and so I must make you hurry on my behalf.
Saint Joseph, I am going to place you in a difficult position with your head in darkness and you will suffer as our Lord suffered, until this [house/property] is sold. Then, Saint Joseph, i swear before the cross and God Almighty, that i will redeem you and you will receive my gratitude and a place of honour in my home.
Amen.