Three White Flowers or Lilies
Joseph was a virtuous man that was pure and obedient to God. He had the difficult large task of caring for and protecting the Holy Family, and he did so always listening for the voice of God. He also remained pure and chase while loving and caring for his wife, Mary ever virgin. Even though they were married they remained celibate, “he had no relations with her” (Matthew 1:25a).
Carpenter’s Square or Tools
In the few descriptions, the Bible gives us about St Joseph, we do learn that he is a carpenter by trade. In his life raising Jesus, Joseph also teaches Jesus his craft to use to earn a living. Even though the saw is often used, it’s doubtful it was his primary tool since most of their work was with stones at the time and place. His work was closer to what we would associate with a mason.
Pair of Turtle Doves
This is a rare symbol for Saint Joseph recalling the pair of turtle doves that Mary and Joseph had to use for their humble sacrifice at the presentation of Jesus (Luke 2:24). This was only used by Jews that were too poor to afford a larger sacrifice, and reminds us that the Holy Family was not rich in money.
