The Miracles of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph is known to take care of everything, especially material and practical problems. This extraordinary patron saint watches over our families, abundantly grants the grace of having a child to those who desire it (see Cotignac), finds work and housing for those seeking it. All these graces flow profusely from his hands! Saint Joseph gave his heart and life to Mary and Jesus; he denied them nothing, and they in turn deny him nothing. Discover the most beautiful miracles of Saint Joseph, his most stunning responses to our prayers!
Discover the apparitions of Saint Joseph!
The Miracle of the Staircase
In the United States, in Santa Fe (New Mexico), an incredible miracle of Saint Joseph has drawn crowds for nearly 150 years. In the Loretto Chapel, a mysterious staircase was built in 1878. The chapel was constructed in 1873 by the Sisters of Loretto at the request of Bishop Lamy (from France), who wanted it identical to Paris’ Sainte-Chapelle. After completion, the sisters realized no staircase had been built to access the choir loft. Carpenters declared it impossible due to space constraints.
The worried sisters began a novena to Saint Joseph. On the ninth day, a stranger arrived with a donkey and toolbox containing only a hammer, saw, and T-square. He built the staircase alone using wooden pegs (no nails or glue), taking 6-8 months. Upon finishing, he left without payment. The superior went to pay for the wood, but no local mill knew him.
The spiral staircase is an architectural marvel: it makes two full turns with no central support (all weight rests on the bottom step). Architects claim it should have collapsed immediately. The 33-step staircase had no railings initially; these were added later. Its perfect preservation after a century of use remains unexplained, and the wood’s origin is still unidentified.
The chapel became a pilgrimage site, drawing 250,000+ annual visitors. The mysteries endure.
Saint Joseph at Kermaria
In Kermaria (near Locminé, Brittany), a woman returning from market met a man carrying a plane and saw. He declared:
“Great things will happen here; many will come from afar to live together, and Saint Joseph will be honored here.”
When she mentioned praying daily to God and Saint Joseph, the carpenter replied: “Keep praying to Saint Joseph—I too am named Joseph.” He vanished instantly. Years later, his words proved prophetic when the area became a major center of devotion to Saint Joseph.
Kermaria (Breton for "Mary’s village") is home to the Mother House of the Daughters of Jesus congregation (founded 1934), under Saint Joseph’s patronage. The Mother Superior reminds sisters annually: “Continue to invoke him with more love and trust than ever.” Now called “Saint Joseph de Kermaria,” it’s a popular Breton sanctuary where many seek intercession from “Saint Joseph the Poor.”
The Nuns Ask for a Donkey
Nuns once requested a donkey from Saint Joseph by placing a letter with a donkey drawing under his statue. Nine days later, a farmer gifted them a donkey—but it had no tail. Checking their drawing, they realized they’d forgotten to draw one. This reminds us to be specific in requests to Saint Joseph!
Miraculous Healing Through Saint Joseph’s Intercession
19-year-old Philomène suffered advanced nervous disease: bedridden, in constant pain, unable to eat. Her family prayed for her swift passage to Heaven. On February 28, she received a letter from her former superior urging her to pray a novena to Saint Joseph starting March 10. The nun expressed such confidence that she wrote: “I hope to see you visit on the 19th—our house is under Saint Joseph’s patronage.”
Philomène gained immense trust, announcing her healing for March 19 (Feast of Saint Joseph). Though her condition worsened during the novena, she felt slightly better on March 18. On the 19th, after receiving Holy Communion, she suddenly rose, prostrated before Saint Joseph’s image, and instantly recovered. She ate heartily with no difficulty.
