As the foster- father on earth of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and the spouse and protector of the Mother of God, Mary, St. Joseph has a unique role in salvation history and in the life of every Christian. He is the patron of the universal and one of the primary patrons of our Carmel DCJ. The Church calls St. Joseph "Protector of Virgins" and "Lover of poverty." Having lived most intimately with Jesus and Mary on earth during the hidden years at Nazareth, he is also a model of the interior life. In the tradition St. Teresa of Avila and following the example of our Foundress, we love and honor St. Joseph as Jesus did during His life on earth and turn to Him in our spiritual and material needs. As Mary is our Mother, St. Joseph is our Father.

Mother Mary Teresa added the title "of St. Joseph" to her name in reparation for all who did not love and revere him. "Indeed what better and holier father could we ask for?" said Mother Mary Teresa. "God's pleasure rests on St. Joseph in a very special way. It is hardly conceivable that God could refuse a petition to St. Joseph, on whose arm rested the Divine Savior."