The Example of St. Joseph

On a rainy morning at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, I met an old friend who was a carpenter constructing a two-storey building near our compound. He was wearing his usual faded denim shirt and a pair of worn-out jeans, which seemed to have seen better days. Behind that aura is a story of hope, resilience and disposition in life amidst trying times. His name is Victor, a very good friend of mine. He’s a carpenter, a sculptor and a church elder.

As I reflect on the story of Victor whom I have been acquainted for a long time, I am struck by his unwavering commitment to his family and his faith, even in the face of immense tragedy. Victor is a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes about his character and his values.

The initial encounter I had with Victor occurred after my family relocated from Tagum to Davao City due to our church obligations. Victor is a responsible member and steward of God. I was immediately struck by his dedication to his work as a carpenter. He takes great pride in his craft, and it is evident in the beautiful pieces he creates in his workshop. He is constantly present for his wife, offering assistance with his children’s studies or just being a listening ear. He is also a religious man who ensures that his family imbibed his principles by accompanying him to church every Sunday and instructing them to pray and serve the Lord.

But it is his devotion to his family that truly left an impression on me. Victor is a loving and affectionate father who is always there for his children, no matter what. He is also deeply committed to his wife, ensuring that she receives the care and attention she needs as her health declined.

When his wife received the devastating diagnosis of a terminal illness, Victor was understandably grief-stricken. Despite being filled with deep sadness and emotion, I couldn’t resist but to offer him spiritual help through constant prayers. We joined several church activities like conferences, fellowships and camps just to offer a prayer of hope and healing. But like the qualities of St. Joseph, he remains resilient and steadfast in his faith. He continues to work tirelessly to support his family, even as he takes on the added responsibilities of caring for his wife.

Victor never wavers in his dedication to his family and his faith in the face of difficulties, which is what I most like about him. He views St. Joseph as a representation of fortitude and dedication, and he takes inspiration from his example as he travels the challenging road ahead.

I am reminded of the value of family and the part that fathers play in their lives as I reflect on the Feast of St. Joseph. The experiences of Victor and St. Joseph provide us with a motivating depiction of what it means to be a loyal spouse and a devoted father.

Let us all endeavor to replicate the virtues that Victor and St. Joseph exemplified: faith, love, devotion, and perseverance as we commemorate this important day. As we celebrate St. Joseph’s Day, may we all be motivated to be better partners, parents, and individuals in general. (Cymon V. Abarsolo | HCDC Intern)