The Sleeping St. Joseph

The statue of the Sleeping St. Joseph became famous when Pope Francis mentioned this during his visit in the Philippines last January 16, 2015. He explained why St Joseph is one of his most beloved saints. “I have great love for Saint Joseph, because he is a man of silence and strength. On my table I have an image of Saint Joseph sleeping. Even when he is asleep, he is taking care of the Church!”

Pope Francis advised people to leave a “note” under the image of the saint for help whenever they have a problem. He reiterated this in an exchange with 140 Superiors General of masculine Religious Congregations on November 25, 2016, in the framework of the 88th General Assembly of the Union of Superiors General. While speaking on his initiative to reform the Roman Curia, which has its problems, including corruption, he said, he keeps his peace. Then, he says that “if there is a problem, I write a note to St. Joseph and put it under a statue that I have in my room. It is a statue of St. Joseph sleeping. And now he sleeps on a mattress of notes! That’s why I sleep well: it is the grace of God.” (Manilee Araune)