On March 19, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. More than a simple commemoration, this solemnity highlights a discreet, righteous man, considered a model for fathers and husbands for his fidelity, generosity, and profound faith. In this regard, Father Alphonse Diogoye Diouf, vicar at the Sainte-Angèle Foundation in Kounoune, reflected on the celebration of this feast in the Catholic Church and the crucial role played by this holy man in the history of salvation.

Can you elaborate on the solemnity of Saint Joseph and why we should not fast on this day?

To better answer this question, which is both important and current, because indeed today we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph, it is wise, first of all, to return to the term "solemnity".

In the life of the Church, a solemnity is the highest point in the hierarchy of liturgical feasts. For us today, this solemnity is a major celebration commemorating Saint Joseph, husband of Mary and patron saint of the universal Church. Today's solemnity is, therefore, a great day in the life of the Church.

Secondly, like other solemnities, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph has its own readings. Moreover, it is good to know that, although we are still in Lent, there is no fasting today; white is used as the liturgical color, the "Gloria" is sung, and the "Credo" is recited during the Eucharistic celebration.

All this to say that the solemnity of Saint Joseph is an opportunity offered to us by the Church in our journey towards Easter to pause in order to better contemplate and meditate on this emblematic figure of our faith, to imitate him and to entrust ourselves to his intercession.

The fast is lifted today by the Church, because the solemnity is a day of celebration and not of penance. It is a day of joy that reminds us of one of the great figures in the history of salvation.

Today, celebration takes precedence over fasting. The principle of not fasting is similar to that of Sundays during Lent, where one does not fast, because every Sunday is a day of joy on which Easter is celebrated.

That said, the Christian faith is not only about renunciation, it is also about joy and celebration. Today is a day of grace, festivity, and joy.

Why does the Catholic Church celebrate this holiday?

First, it's important to remember that Saint Joseph is unique in that he is one of the saints whose feast day the Church celebrates several times during the liturgical year: on March 19th and May 1st. Furthermore, it should be noted that the liturgical life of the Church is divided into the Temporal cycle and the Sanctoral cycle. The Temporal cycle determines the succession of liturgical seasons, particularly the liturgical year, which begins on the first Sunday of Advent and ends on the Saturday of the 34th week of Ordinary Time. It comprises the Christmas season and the Easter season, between which lies Ordinary Time.

The Sanctoral cycle represents the series of celebrations of saints, fixed on specific dates. It includes the dates on which martyrs, saints, and the Virgin Mary are celebrated. It is within this Sanctoral cycle that the Solemnity of Saint Joseph today should be placed.

The Church celebrates this solemnity for various reasons. Among them, it honors Saint Joseph, husband of Mary and guardian of the Holy Family. It invites us today to learn from Joseph in order to cultivate greater obedience to God's will. It presents us with Saint Joseph as a model of faith, humility, discretion, responsibility, and service.

Who is Saint Joseph that his feast day is so important in the Catholic Church?

Saint Joseph is both a historical and theological figure in our Christian faith. If we consult the Bible, we can learn much about the person of Saint Joseph. He was a man of the tribe of David (cf. Mt 1:20), a carpenter by trade, and betrothed to the Virgin Mary (cf. Mt 1:18). The angel Gabriel spoke to his bride (cf. Lk 6:26-37), and he also spoke to her in a dream (cf. Mt 1:20). He is associated with a wondrous story. God looked upon his bride among the daughters of Israel and loved her (cf. Lk 1:30-31). He knew suffering; he was a discreet, silent, merciful, and obedient man (cf. Mt 1:20).

Based on all this, we can say that Saint Joseph is a faithful and chaste man, prudent and protective, unassuming and effective, silent and trusting, responsible and helpful.

On the occasion of this solemnity, the Church invites us once again to listen to God in the calm of our hearts, to love through concrete actions, to be persevering and courageous in the face of difficulties, to protect the weakest and to fully assume our responsibilities.