18 Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. 19 Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
Saint Matthew 1: 18-20
St. Francis was my confirmation saint, but as an adult, and as a father (and one who has adopted), St. Joseph has more meaning to me than I could ever express. Every time I feel like I have bombed in my role as a father, I remind myself of St. Joseph providing for and protecting literal perfection in his household – Child and Mother alike. *That’s* a challenge.
When Mary told St. Gabriel “I know not man.”
It was in the past, present and future for Mary was granted perpetual virginity. Both Joseph and Mary chose to live a celibate married life called a Josephite Marriage still possible today. Like “Let’s not and say we did.”