Saint Joseph of Arimathea

Biography

Saint Joseph of Arimathea, also known as Joseph of Glastonbury, was a prominent figure in the life of Jesus Christ and played a crucial role in the Christian faith. Although not a widely known figure, his impact is significant, as he is credited with providing the tomb for the burial of Jesus and spreading the faith to far-off lands. His story resonates with elements of mystery and devotion, as well as the symbolism surrounding the Holy Grail. Joseph was born in Arimathea, Palestine, during the 1st century. As a wealthy Israelite, he owned tin mines in Cornwall, which brought him great prosperity. However, his material wealth did not cloud his spiritual longing. Joseph was a devout disciple and student of Jesus, and it is believed that he may have been related to him. According to the Gospel of Mark, Joseph was a noble counselor and a secret follower of Jesus. He approached Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross after his crucifixion. With Pilate's permission, Joseph provided his own tomb as the final resting place for Jesus. In this act of kindness and reverence, Joseph demonstrated his unwavering devotion to both Jesus and his burial customs. Another significant event associated with Joseph is the story of the Holy Grail. It is said that he, along with Saint Nicodemus, brought the Holy Grail - the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper - to England. Legend has it that when Joseph planted his traveller's staff in Glastonbury, it miraculously took root and became a thorn tree, which would flower every Christmas Day. This event further solidified Joseph's reputation as a holy man and spread the Christian faith to the British Isles. Throughout his life, Joseph of Arimathea was known to carry various symbols. Representations of him depict an elderly man carrying a pot of ointment, a flowering staff, or a pair of altar cruets. These symbols highlight his role in anointing Jesus' body, his connection to the thorn tree miracle, and his association with the Eucharist. Joseph's feast day is celebrated on August 31st, although his relics were later translated to Jerusalem on October 16th. Other calendars observe his feast day on July 31st (Lutheran calendar), October 25th (Armenian calendar), and sometimes on March 17th. He was canonized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era, before the formal canonization process was established. Saint Joseph of Arimathea is honored as the patron saint of coffin-bearers, funeral directors, gravediggers, morticians, pallbearers, tin miners, tin smiths, undertakers, as well as the Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and Glastonbury Cathedral. His legacy continues to inspire devotion, piety, and reverence for the life and death of Jesus Christ.