St Mary is a term for Mary, the mother of Jesus. She was a first century was a Jewish woman of Nazareth. As Christ is head of the Church, then Mary is the Mother of the Church. Mary is also seen as the model of the Church. The belief is that she exemplifies the mission of the Church in all of her actions.

She agreed to God’s will to give birth to Jesus and supported and displayed her faith in her son throughout his ministry. She was with him at every stage of his work on Earth and fully supported and followed his teachings.

St Joseph was a Jewish man, also of Nazareth who, according to the canonical Gospels, was married to Mary the mother of Jesus. He is the special patron of the Church. Even as he was the protector of the Child Jesus on earth, so, we believe, is he now the protector of the mystical Body of Jesus, His Holy Church.

He is the patron saint of fathers, workers (especially carpenters), travellers, emigrants and barristers.