Even though the Evangelists do not record one word spoken by St. Joseph of Nazareth, the Holy Spirit has inspired Christians throughout the ages to love the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and foster father of the Son of God. Because of Saint Joseph’s relationship with Jesus and Mary, he enjoys a relationship with the Church that is foundational. Pope St. John Paul II has noted that St. Joseph’s example “transcends all individual states of life and serves as a model for the entire Christian community, whatever the condition and duties of each of its members may be.