St. Joseph - Protector of Families
By María Rangel Cardenas
"The Blessed Mother and Child” by Maria Rangel Cardenas
(Graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in.)
It just so happens that I am able to reveal my finished drawing of “The Blessed Mother and Child” in time for the feast day (March 19th) of the wonderful St. Joseph—the earthly father of Jesus and husband of Mary.
This drawing is a self-portrait of sorts since the photo reference I used was of myself holding our second oldest son (who will be 13 this year!), when he was just about 2 months old.
It took me around 24 hours all-together to complete the drawing, over several weeks. (I draw slowly!) Also, there is not much time for me to draw during homeschooling days and working with the music ministry at our church.
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I am so happy I was able to draw this intimate moment between Mother and Child. It holds a special meaning for me, and for so many mothers, I am sure.
How many times must have St. Joseph gazed upon Mary and Jesus in a similar pose … lost in holy admiration and prayer.
You can see the process of my drawing here (with a quick cameo of our youngest and her little bunny friends 🤍):
I plan on having art prints of this image available in the next few months. Sign up for my art newsletter to be notified! (Sign-up form is below.)
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The Protector of Families
As the protector and guardian of the Son of God and of His Blessed Mother, it is no wonder that St. Joseph is often invoked to help protect us people of God, as well. St. Joseph is, indeed, the protector of families and, personally, my protector in my most vulnerable moments.
Not too long ago, words of rejection and self-doubt were racing through my mind:
“You are just not good enough.”
“No one wants to see your work.”
“Everyone will only see your mistakes.”
I asked St. Joseph for help, and something remarkable happened: I instantly received peace in my heart. He held back those racing thoughts so that I could hear the words of God the Father speaking life into my wounds:
“You are exactly who I wanted you to be.”
“I have work that only you can do.”
“Your work gives me joy and makes me so proud of you.”
What a gift. Thank you, St. Joseph! Maybe you could try asking him for help the next time you need it. He may surprise you!
(Side note, prayer is so healing for mental health, and in some cases, it may also be helpful to see a good, God-centered therapist to help process deeper wounds.)
The Forgotten Saint
In the past, I never would have thought of asking for St. Joseph’s help. He had been present in my prayer life in the background, quiet and, sadly, often forgotten. My renewed devotion to St. Joseph has come about only in the last several years.
I read a book that truly introduced him to me. I learned more about him than I had known before—about this strong, humble, and loving defender and protector.
Last year my husband, our children, and I read the children’s version of the book together every night and then made our consecration as a family to St. Joseph on his feast day, March 19th, 2025. It was so beautiful.
If you are interested, you can find out more information about the books here. If you started soon, you could finish the St. Joseph book on his next feast day - St. Joseph the Worker, May 1st.
Two Years of Art
It is already 2 years since I dusted off my paint brushes and started painting again. (After taking time off to run after our 4 little ones.) It’s been a time of growth and a wonderful adventure to see what God has in store for his little artist daughter.
Thanks for reading and thanks for following along!
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Dear Beautiful Mother of our Savior, pray for us!
St. Joseph, our Protector, pray for us!
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