St Joseph of Arimathea

Patron Saint of undertakers, pallbearers, funeral directors, the Holy Sepulchre.

Feast Day: March 17th

Religious

Arimathea, Judea

Public Domain: Golgotha with the crucified, mary, john, magdalene, joseph of arimathea via Webumenia.

Feast Day: March 17th

Religious

Arimathea, Judea

About

St Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy Jewish member of the Sanhedrin who lived in the 1st century during the time of Christ. Though respected among his peers, he secretly followed Jesus, waiting for the Kingdom of God in hope and faith. After the Crucifixion, when many of the disciples had fled in fear, Joseph courageously went to Pontius Pilate and requested the body of Jesus. With reverence, he wrapped the Lord’s body in fine linen and laid Him in a new tomb carved out of rock, one that Joseph had prepared for himself. His quiet but bold act fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. Joseph’s witness is one of compassion, courage, and devotion. By giving his own tomb to Jesus, he became forever remembered as the one who provided a resting place for the Savior before His Resurrection.

Legacy

The legacy of St Joseph of Arimathea is one of courageous faith and generosity. He reminds Christians that true discipleship may sometimes require stepping forward when others remain silent. His burial of Christ prepared the way for the greatest miracle in history—the Resurrection. In Christian tradition, he is honored not only for his act of charity but also for his example of discipleship in secret becoming discipleship in action. In parts of medieval legend, Joseph is also associated with the Holy Grail, said to have carried the chalice of the Last Supper to Britain, though this belongs to pious tradition rather than Scripture.

“Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” — Mark 15:43