Saint Joseph and Selling Property

Pat McCloskey, OFM, explains the tradition of burying a statue of Saint Joseph on property intended for sale. While the exact origins of this popular piety are difficult to determine, the custom is linked to Saint Joseph's role as the patron of families. This practice is more common during the sale of houses than business property.

The tradition coincides with a global increase in devotion to Saint Joseph and the Holy Family during the 19th century. This period of devotion served as a Catholic response to the social stresses the Industrial Revolution placed on families moving from agricultural to factory work.

McCloskey notes that several figures expressed similar trust in Saint Joseph's providence. The architect Antoni Gaudí suggested that Saint Joseph would complete the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, a church that remains under construction. Similarly, Saint André Bessette expressed trust that Saint Joseph would provide for the Oratory on Mount Royal in Montréal. Pope Benedict XVI previously dedicated the Sagrada Familia.